Hondo went from wild-card perfection to Divisional mediocrity last week with a disappointing 2-2 spread record that dropped him a game behind the appauling Schwartz. The outcome might have been slightly different if only Mr. Aitch had known that the Giants offensive coordinator was going to turn into Happy Gilbride, madcap architect of the zany game plan that doomed Big Blue.
Nevertheless, Hondo retains his swagger going into the Championship games. If last weekend was any indication, it’s looking like it could be the year of the ‘dog. Starting with the Ravens Saturday and ending with “Slumdog” Sunday night, the hounds took four of five.
As for the week in preview:
Eagles-Cardinals: If you combined last week’s Panthers defensive game plan with the Giants offensive game plan, you’d have the worst coached game in league history.
For reasons only Gilbride could understand, Panther “D” coordinator Mike Trgovac decided to play it loose against Larry Fitzgerald, the Cards’ lone playmaker. That ain’t happenin’ Sunday with a crafty veteran “D” guru like Jim Johnson, who’ll have his DBs jammin’ Fitz to bits every play.
That said, a show of hands from anyone impressed by Philly’s offense – all right, there’s a couple of you way in the back. Eagles win it but, with Boldin back, the Cards beat the number. EAGLES 22, CARDINALS 19
Ravens-Steelers: It’s the UFC: Ultimate Football Championship, a disturbingly vicious, graphically violent, splatter game. That won’t be ketchup making the snow turn red at Heinz Field.
Six points seems overly charitable for the Ravens, who could have prevailed in either of the two earlier bloodbaths. Count on Baltimore to stifle the Steelers’ ground attack, which failed to crack three figures in either of the first two. That’ll put the game right where the Ravens want it – in the hands of Ben Roethlisberger, a statue of limitations who’ll have a difficult time throwing from his back.
Also, don’t discount the impact a healthy Ray Rice return could have on the Ravens’ offense. Darren Sproles showed last week how speed can kill, even against the league’s most lethal defense.
Take the points or a money-line plunge; it’s all good. Baltimore gets its Ravenge. RAVENS 23, STEELERS 20
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DRIVING MR. DAISY: The sexual harassment allegations leveled against Eddy Curry by his limo driver could explain why he’s such a poor rebounder. He enjoys getting boxed out.
According to the suit, Curry got naked in front of his driver and told him: “Look at me.” Eddy claims he was merely singing “Misty.”
There was good news and bad news for Carl Pavano last week. The good: After four wasted seasons with the Yankees, he landed on his feet in Cleveland. The bad: He might miss spring training because when he landed on his feet, he turned an ankle.
It has been quite a turnaround for Cleveland. Pavano’s signing means the city formerly known as the Mistake By The Lake will be home to two great tourist attractions: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the American Idle.
It’s time to find Dave Meggett a state facility that provides decades of free room and board. Meggett’s latest arrest for sexual assault comes while he was out on bail for a sexual assault charge in September and while serving two years probation for sexual battery. As his old coach, Tuna Parcells, likes to say: “You are what your record says you are.”
The City Parks Dept. is looking for a mascot, and The Post has suggested “Cullen The Cardinal,” based on former Post editor William Cullen Bryant. CNN, meanwhile, has proposed “Richard The Pervert,” based on personality/perv Richard Quest, who was arrested in Central Park last summer with a rope tied from neck to ‘nads.
The Clintons made a big concession to appease those concerned with conflicts of interests involving her role as Secretary of State and foreign contributions to his foundation. Bubba said yesterday that under no circumstances will he accept any donations from the Somali Pirates.
Hillary says she’s going to rely on “smart power” to advance U.S. interests abroad. Hopefully she’ll be a little smarter than she was during the ‘Crats’ primary. If the “smart power” approach doesn’t work, she can always fall back on “Double-Wide Pantsuit Power.” Nobody’s going to mess with that.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had their bikes stolen from the Carter Center in Atlanta. Will this poor man’s malaise ever end?
A 22-year-old named Natalie Dylan has auctioned off her virginity and reportedly received a bid of $3.8 million. Damn, these rookie salaries are out of control.
hondo@nypost.com