Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints! Its the first time they’re going to the Superbowl! As I said in my Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic blog post:

“I’m rooting for the Minnesota Vikings to win the NFC Championship. Go Vikings! However, I do like the Saints too since I spent time in my Air Force days deep in the Bayous. My buddies in Mississippi and Louisiana have a great love for the team. I also emphathize with the trials and tribulations the franchise has gone through from the days I was down in New Orleans.”

Wow! what a fantastic ending to a game that was fought well by both sides. A congratulations to Polynesian, Marcus Mailei, who was put on New Orleans injured reserve list in late December. A former Philadelphia Eagle he was recently acquired by the Saints in early December.

Marcus Mailei with the Philadelphia Eagles

This game is a toss-up as both teams have a contingent of Polynesian players. Eagles are attempting to get a wild-card spot in the playoffs and the Bears are playing to avoid any more losses to squeeze into the game too. Cowboys avoided a loss today (barely with a 1 pt win), so they lead the division, but Philly still has a chance with a win over the Bears. I’m rooting along with the rest of my ‘ohana though for the Eagles on this one (since we lived in Philly). Go Eagles!!!

As of the past few weeks, all the Philly Polynesians on the Eagles squad are still nursing injuries or relegated to the practice squad. Fenuki Tupou is on injured reserve. Marcus Mailei and Paul Fanaika are hoping to see game time tonight.

Due to time constraints (have to go see my cousin, Kupono, of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame, return to Hawai’i), I’ll have to place a link for the Bears Polynesian/Islander contingent. I apologize for that, I got too engrossed in watching the Cowboys/Redskins, Colts/Ravens and Steelers/Chiefs matchups. What a shocker in the Steelers/Chiefs game!

Game Watch Links:

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles - Offense
Injured Reserve

#78 OT Fenuki Tupou (University of Oregon)

Practice Squad

#63 OG Paul Fanaika (Arizona State University)

#41 RB Marcus Mailei (Weber State University)

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears - #57 Olin Kreutz, #73 Donovan Raiola (practice squad), #75 Matt Toeaina, #59 Pisa Tinoisamoa, *#46 Al Afalava, *#45 Will Ta’ufo’ou (practice squad) & *#62 Johan Asiata (practice squad)

The game is being televised on NBC at 3:20pm HST (KHNL8)
Portland 5:20 PM PDT (KGW8)
Seattle 5:20 PM PDT (KING5)

*For complete NFL Polynesian/Hawaiian/Island Ties players, see HFF Pro Teams .

The big rivalry between Philly and Dallas will be renewed as they fight over who will dominate the NFC East in first place. The Eagles and Cowboys are tied with the same win-loss records. Someone has to lose tonight and with the Chargers upset over the Giants in the last remaining seconds of today’s game, either Dallas or Philly has a chance to get a game ahead.

Dallas has ex-Hawai’i Warrior punter, Matt McBriar, who is third in the NFL with a 41.3 yds punt average. Auwe! that’s a mean leg! and huge Polynesian, Junior Siavi’i, who looks to start this evening with Jay Raitliff on the sidelines. Watch out for these two to make a difference in the game.

On the Eagles squad, all the Philly Polynesians are still nursing injuries or relegated to the practice squad. Fenuki Tupou is on injured reserve. Marcus Mailei and Paul Fanaika are hoping to see game play if something happens in the depth chart tonight.

I’m rooting along with the rest of my ‘ohana for the Eagles on this one (since we lived in Philly) while my son-in-law, Akiona IV (Ala Akiona), is rooting for the Cowboys. The mana (power) may have very well have crossed over from the Phillies camp (sad about that one, Darn Yankees!) to the Eagles camp. So here goes. . . Go Eagles!!!

Game Watch Links:

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles - Offense
Injured Reserve

#78 OT Fenuki Tupou (University of Oregon)

Practice Squad

#63 OG Paul Fanaika (Arizona State University)

#41 RB Marcus Mailei (Weber State University)

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys - Offense
#1 P Matt McBriar (University of Hawai’i)

Dallas Cowboys - Defense

#78 DT Junior Siavi’i (University of Oregon)

The game is being televised on NBC at 3:20pm HST (KHNL8)
Portland 5:20 PM PDT (KGW8)
Seattle 5:20 PM PDT (KING5)

Both teams are heading downhill in mid-season and haven’t found the football magic yet to save their season. Redskins coach, Jim Zorn, is in the hot seat for the team’s pathetic game performances. Eagles coach, Andy Reid, was embarassed last week with an offense that needed a spark from veteran quarterback, Donovan McNabb. The Phillies they are not. If only that “mana” could cross the street to Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles might have a chance.

Former Hawai’i Warrior, Colt Brennan, is on injured reserve and seems to have missed his chance to play this year. Boy! Would he had made an impact if he was playing now. Fellow Polynesian, Mike Sellers, continues to impress with his special teams play.

Unfortunately, all the Philly Polynesians are off the active roster. Fenuki Tupou is on injured reserve. While Marcus Mailei and Paul Fanaika have been put on the practice squad. Chances are they may not see game play unless something drastic happens in the depth chart.

Game Watch Links:

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles - Offense
Injured Reserve

#78 OT Fenuki Tupou (Oregon)

Practice Squad

#63 OG Paul Fanaika (Arizona State)

#41 RB Marcus Mailei (Weber State)

Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins - Offense
#5 QB Colt Brennan (University of Hawai’i)

#45 RB Mike Sellers (Walla Walla CC)

The game is being televised at 2:30pm HST (ESPN22)
Portland 5:30 PM PDT (ESPN35)
Seattle 5:30 PM PDT (ESPN31)