More Water Cooler Conversation Starters (and Stoppers!) about the NFL Playoffs Round 2

Football will continue to dominate the talk around the proverbial water cooler this week. So, here are some more sports talk ideas -- what to say and what NOT to say -- about the second round of playoff games that took place this weekend. Use these to help you connect and communicate with colleagues, clients, supervisors and friends:

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS VS. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Conversation starter: "The Saints Breezed to victory.”

Because?: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the Saints to a 45-14 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals. This means the Saints will host their first ever NFC Championship game in team history next week.

Conversation stopper:  “Did you know that Gumby is the official mascot for the Saints?”

Because?: Gumbo The Dog is the official mascot of the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Gumbo is in the form of a "Saint" Bernard dog. It was the Louisiana Restaurant Association's gift to the Saints. Even though Gumbo went into a brief retirement, he was brought back by popular demand. For years, Gumbo was in fact a real Saint Bernard dog that roamed the sidelines in Saints apparel for dogs. The reason for choosing this breed of dog is the fact that Orleans Parish (where the City of New Orleans lies) shares a border with St. Bernard Parish to the east.


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Conversation starter: "Indianapolis wins the battle of the Colts."

Because?: Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts past the Baltimore Ravens 20-3. The Colts franchise used to be located in Baltimore until 1984 when the franchise relocated to Indianapolis. The new Baltimore team (the Ravens) started to play in 1996.  Some Baltimore fans remain loyal to the original team.

Conversation stopper: "Where did Manning learn to play so well?”

Because?: All sports fans know that Peyton’s father is Archie Manning, a former Pro Bowl quarterback who played from 1971-1984 and his brother is current New York Giants starting quarterback Eli Manning.


MINNESOTA VIKINGS VS. DALLAS COWBOYS

Conversation starter: "Who says you can't play in the NFL after 40…"

Because?: 40-year-old Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre threw four touchdown passes in the Vikings 34-3 domination of the Dallas Cowboys.

Conversation stopper: When talking about the Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre, remember his last name sounds like “Farv.”

Because?: Unless you're quoting Ben Stiller's character, Ted, in the comedy hit movie There's Something About Mary ("What about Brett Fav... ruh?"), mispronouncing this future Hall of Famer’s last name is a dead giveaway that you’re a rookie. 


NEW YORK JETS VS. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Conversation starter: “Rookies rule New York.”

Because?: Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez led rookie coach Rex Ryan’s Jets to a 17-14 upset of the San Diego Chargers.

Conversation stopper: "Home teams always win."

Because: While it's true that three of the playoff games were won by the home teams, the Jets were the lone visiting team to win a playoff game this weekend.