On occasion, the Super Bowl provides moments like these—David Tyree’s helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII comes to mind. But usually it doesn’t. So today we thought we’d provide you with the dose of excitement you probably won’t be getting with you sit down to watch the Giants and Pats duke it out 10 days from now.

Thus, here are 20 awesome (and, in some cases, mesmerizing) tackle GIFs that will remind you why you like football to begin with. They might also make you glad that you yourself do not play football. Either way, we think you’ll enjoy them.

With the Browns driving down the field in the fourth quarter in search of the go-ahead touchdown, quarterback Colt McCoy was looking to escape the pressure by scrambling out of the pocket, but one man who he couldn’t get away from was Harrison, who proceeded to drive the crown of his helmet into the chin of McCoy.

The hit left McCoy on the ground in pain.  He had to be taken out of the game, but much to the surprise of everyone who witnessed the hit, McCoy was able to return to the game just in time to throw a game-clinching interception in the end zone.

During a post-game interview Harrison claimed that he felt the hit was legal, stating the following:

“From what I understand, once the quarterback leaves the pocket, he’s considered a runner.  All the defenseless[ness] and liberties that a quarterback has in the pocket are gone and you can tackle him just as he’s a running back. The hit wasn’t late, so I really don’t understand why it was called.”

Don’t worry James.  If you still don’t understand why your hit was penalized, I’m sure commissioner Roger Goodell will be explaining it to you in the very near future.

Here is a look at the hit that will likely cause James Harrison’s bank account to take a hit of its own.

The NFL players may be locked out at the moment, but James Harrison’s big fat mouth appears to be in mid-season form. The Steelers linebacker went off during an interview with Men’s Journal, calling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a “faggot,” “punk,” and “dictator,” among other things.  He also took the time to criticize others, including his own quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger; Steelers running back, Rashard Mendenhall; members of the New England Patriots, both past and present; Clay Matthews; Brian Cushing; and a few other members of the NFL’s front office.

Although Harrison has since claimed that his comments were taken out of context, it is hard to believe that he didn’t mean every word he said.  After all, it is hard to take a comment like, “If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn’t do it” out of context.

Either way, the most controversial player on the field now appears to be the most controversial player off of it as well.  You can find the full interview in the August issue of Men’s Journal, which is set to hit newsstands this Friday.  In the meantime, here are five great quotes from the article, which will definitely leave you wanting more.

5.  “My rep is James Harrison, mean son of a bitch who loves hitting the hell out of people.”

4.  On NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: “If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn’t do it. I hate him and will never respect him.”

3.  “I should have another ring. We were the best team in football in 2004, but the Patriots, who we beat during the regular season, stole our signals and picked up 90 percent of our blitzes [in the AFC title game].”

2.  On Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger:  “Hey, at least throw a pick on their side of the field instead of asking the D to bail you out again. Or hand the ball off and stop trying to act like Peyton Manning. You ain’t that and you know it, man; you just get paid like he does.”

1.  On Texans linebacker Brian Cushing: “That boy is juiced out of his mind.”

Hat Tip – [Men's Journal]

Maybe, if one of Arizona Cardinals had used this move last night while James Harrison was taking an interception back for a touchdown, they would be the Superbowl Champions today.  Instead, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to score on the play and the rest is history.

One of my favorite bets on Superbowl Sunday is for the MVP. I usually like to bet on the MVP because you can get some really good odds.  This years game has some interesting odds for MVP. Lets take at look at the best bets:

The Favorites:

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals, (Odds 5-2)

Ben Rothlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers, (Odds 7-4)

Quarterbacks are always the favorites to win this award, as it remains the glamor position of the NFL.  The last two Superbowl MVPs, were both QBs. (Peyton and Eli Manning).

The Best Offensive Bets

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals, (Odds 5-1)

He has been tearing up every defense that he has faced thus far in the playoffs.  The Steelers are a great defense, but can they stop Larry?

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers, (Odds 15-1)

The last non-quarterback to win the award.  The only question around him this year is his stranded MCL.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals, (Odds 15-1)

Has had a quiet playoffs thus far.  However, this guy has proved in the past that he can step up and take over games.

Willie Parker,RB, Pittsburgh Steelers, (Odds 7-1)

The man who holds the record for the longest run in Superbowl history could have another big game.  However, the Cards have been shutting down opposing backs in playoffs.

The Best Defensive Bets:

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers, (Odds 10-1)

I think Troy is my favorite to win this award.  He is a leader on the defense and has the uncanny ability to change games.  At 10-1 odds if you like the Steelers to win the game, you have to put the cash on this guy. If the Steelers win, he will have a big part in it.

James Harrison, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers, (Odds 30-1)

The reining defensive MVP has had a quiet playoffs thus far, he could be ready for a breakout game.  Be careful because defensive players rarely win the award.  The last defensive player to win the award was Dexter Jackson, who won the award in 2003 playing in Superbowl XXXVII, when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Long Shots:

James Farrior, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers, (Odds 30-1)

Another defensive stud for Pittsburgh who has shown game breaking ability in the past.  At 30 to 1, why not sprinkle a few dollars on this guy.

Adrian Wilson, S, Arizona Cardinals (Odds 50-1)

The leader of the Cardinals defense and the best value bet.  If you smell an upset in Tampa bay, this could be your guy.  Wilson is simply one of best players in the NFL today and the fact that he is a 50 to 1 shot could mean big money for you come Sunday night.  Wilson is my dark horse to win the award if the Cardinals beat the Steelers, he will have a big impact on the game.

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We have come up with a list of 5 players that should or could have the biggest impact for their respective football teams. Let us take a look at these guys and remember they are open to deliberation

1. James Harrison : An undrafted player out of Kent State, Harrison was recruited by a number of major colleges including, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Nebraska. Until an incident in his senior season of high school led to criminal charges laid against him. Pittsburgh signed him as an undrafted player in 2002 but Harrison did not see much playing time in fact he did not even give 100% on every play. This year he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award and broke the Steelers single season sack mark. Harrison could be the key to applying pressure on Kurt Warner, and if the Cardinals give help to that side of the line it may free up his star bookend LaMarr Woodley.

2. Troy Polamalu : He and Ed Reed have redefined the safety position, with his ability to rush the quarterback from just about anywhere on the field he is a weapon in Dick LeBeau’s scheme. He also defends the pass quiet well and is one of the most physical safeties in the game today. He is a big play threat as he showed that last week in his game clinching interception return against the Ravens. At just 27 years old Polamalu could be one of the greatest safties of all time barring injury. This Sunday Dick LeBeau probably has some special schemes in store for Kurt Warner and we can bet it will involve a heavy dose of Troy Polamalu.

3. “Big” Ben Roethlisberger : The under-appreciated quarterback has had one of the greatest starts to a career. Pittsburgh has always been known as a run first team and so the accolades for Ben have been put on hold. In his rookie season he led the Steelers to a 14-1 record (including playoffs) and a 13-0 regular season record. In 2005, he led the Steelers to a Super Bowl and is now back to try and do it all over again. He will face a defense that looked pretty good in the first half of the NFC Championship Game but got too comfortable in the second half. It will depend on the score whether Roethlisberger will be active throwing the ball, but if the Steelers are down he will like always make the big plays for them.

4. Kurt Warner : The key to the Cardinals success falls in the arm of Kurt Warner he must be able to move the chains and they must be able to convert on third downs against a Steelers defense that was ranked #1 in opposition 3rd down conversions (31%). Warner has Thurstan been the head of the Cardinals offense and has been here twice before but neither time did he face such an intimidating defense. It will be interesting to see what kind of strategy the Arizona has for this game, we feel that the key will be the running game, Arizona must keep the Steelers guessing but this strategy will be indicative of the score, if they fall behind quickly it could be a long night for the Cardinals.

5. Larry Fitzgerald : What more can be said about this guy, with the recent actions of Anquin Bolden, Fitzgerald has taken over as the team best receiver. He has already accumulated 419 receiving yards in three post season games which already stands as an NFL record. Larry will be the go-to receiver and could really use Anquin Boldin to relieve some of the pressure that will be applied to his side of the field. Fitzgerald will have to be physical especially at the line of scrimmage because these Steelers corners do not sit back and wait to be beaten, they will bump and run and they will make you pay for catching the ball over the middle of the field.

Harrison had a stand out year and was truly deserving the honor.  In 15 games he made 101 tackles, 16 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 1 interception, not bad for a guy who was an undrafted free agent.

Harrison could had very well been the league MVP this year.  However, it has become nearly impossible for players on defense to win the award as the league is obsessed with offensive player.  Thanks to the solid play of Harrison the Steelers look ready to make another run to the Super Bowl.  As the old saying goes offense gets the glory but defense wins Championships, watch out Philip Rivers.

Peyton Manning destroyed the field this year in the MVP voting.  The second place finisher Chad Pennington of the Miami Dolphins he beat by 24 votes.

We were definitely were right on the money when we predicted our list of possible NFL MVP candidates almost 2.5 weeks ago.  We had Peyton Manning #1 and Adrian Peterson, James Harrison and Kurt Warner who also all received votes this year.

“It’s been the most rewarding regular season that I’ve been a part of in my 11 years, and I have to believe a lot of the other players and even coaches might feel the same way.”

“I really accept this award on behalf of the team and the organization because there is no way we would be in the playoffs and bounced back without those three people creating a winning environment,” said Peyton

It’s definitely nice to see Peyton Manning back on top in the NFL.  After leading his team like a true warrior he is, to 9 straight wins and into this years Playoffs, we think that Peyton Manning hands down is this years NFL MVP.

Now well just have to wait and see if this story has a fairytale ending and the Indianapolis Colts can win this years Super Bowl.

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts,

After last night impressive come from behind victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it seems that Peyton is the front runner to win the prestegeous award for the 3rd time.  Mannings role with the Colt’s so important that if he were to be injured for a significant amount of time they would struggle mightily.  Unless another player steps up big, this award will be Mannings again.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings,

Peterson is the most talented runner in the league and this year has carried the Vikings to a shot at the playoffs.  This was no small feat considering that for most of the season Gus Frerotte was the teams QB.  In order for him to win the award he must finish with close to 2000 yards.  He currently has 1581 yards, so its not out of the realm of possibility for him to reach 2000 this season.

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals,

Warner was left for dead a couple of years ago when he was released from the New York Giants.  He eventually found his way down to Arizona, where most old people go to retire.  This year he has played like an MVP for a majority of the season leading the Cardinals to a surprising division win.  However, in recent weeks he has cooled down significantly and most likely won’t win the award.

James Harrison, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers,

The Steelers have had a long history of great defensive players and this year Harrison is continuing the trend.  Truly a complete player, Harrison has the ability to drop back into coverage, disrupt the passing game and play the run.  As we all know in the NFL the offense gets all of the glory which will make it hard for a player on the opposite side of the ball to win the award.  The last defensive player to win the award was Lawerence Taylor (the real LT), in 1987.

Who do you think will be the NFL MVP ?