Message Board Classics: 2002 NFL season
So I decided to copy and paste some things over from my old message board days. Basically I'm just gonna do my old season long NFL recaps.
Kinda took longer to do this first one than expected tbh. But I always fear the old board will one day vanish (it's been abandoned) so I wanna preserve this stuff. I got about a half dozen of these to do.
Yes I was still very Packer friendly during that era.
Here we go.
2002 NFL SEASON
SEASON PREDICTIONS:
EAST
1-Eagles~12-4
2-Redskins~9-7
3-Cowboys~7-9
4-Giants~5-11
NORTH
1-Packers~12-4
2-Vikings~10-6
3-Bears~10-6
4-Lions~3-13
SOUTH
1-Falcons~9-7
2-Buccaneers~9-7
3-Saints~5-11
4-Panthers~2-14
WEST
1-49ers~12-4
2-Rams~12-4
3-Cardinals~8-8
4-Seahawks~4-12
Wild Cards: Rams, Vikings
Playoffs:
49ers over Vikings
Rams over Falcons
Packers over Rams
49ers over Eagles
NFC Championship:
Packers over Eagles
AFC
EAST
1-Bills~10-6
2-Dolphins~10-6
3-Patriots~9-7
4-Jets~8-8
NORTH
1-Steelers~11-5
2-Browns~10-6
3-Ravens~6-10
4-Bengals~6-10
SOUTH
1-Colts~11-5
2-Titans~11-5
3-Jaguars~6-10
4-Texans~1-15
WEST
1-Raiders~10-6
2-Broncos~7-9
3-Chiefs~7-9
4-Chargers~6-10
Wild Cards: Titans, Browns
Playoffs:
Browns over Raiders
Titans over Bills
Steelers over Browns
Colts over Titans
AFC Championship:
Steelers over Colts
SUPER BOWL
Packers 24
Steelers 17
Week 1 roundup:
--Packers 37, Falcons 34--
Close one, but you can't beat Favre in Lambeau. Looks like I was right about the Falcons too.
--Texans 19, Cowboys 10--
Hi-LARIOUS!! Jerry Jones looked so sad. Love those Texans, and Carr's indeed gonna be great.
--Dolphins 49, Lions 21--
Same ol' Lions, and I won't buy into the fish unless they win in January.
--Broncos 23, Rams 16--
Again Martz gets his ass handed to him. The man is a bad coach. Faulk gets 5 carries in the first half? What does he have against using his best player?
--49ers 16, Giants 13--
Lucky to win. Owens is such a punk.
--Redskins 31, Cardinals 23--
Oh wow, Spurrier lit up Arizona. Who hasn't done that?
--Chiefs 40, Browns 39--
It is so NOT surprising that Dwayne Rudd would do something stupid to cost his team the game.
--Titans 27, Eagles 24--
Losing Kearse is a killer, but the Titans are still gonna get back to the playoffs.
--Saints 26, Bucs 20--
The most reliable thing in the NFL is that the Bucs will always be overrated LOSERS. I cannot believe people thought Gruden would be the difference.
--Panthers 10, Ravens 7--
Billick's in for a long year, which will be very fun to see.
--Raiders 31, Seahawks 17--
At least one of these games went as expected.
--Jets 37, Bills 31--
Bledsoe's got em going, but the special teams remain terrible.
--Chargers 34, Bengals 6--
Good ol' Cincy. So much for anyone thinking they could be a surprise playoff team.
--Colts 28, Jaguars 25--
The Indy D still looks suspect, but at least they won.
Go Steelers! Kill the cocky paper champs!
God damn. A wild game, the kind that can be great if you win...or crushing if you lose.
I've already gotta wonder if this team is cursed. How can EVERYTHING go against a team in one game? Has it EVER happened before where a team has had this much go wrong?
-a kick return TD given up
-a long TD pass called back by holding
-several fumbles the D couldn't just fall on
-the QB fumbles several times, one recovered for a TD
-a FG that hits the upright and bounces in from 50+
-a couple questionable calls that go against them
-400+ passing yards given up
-TWO MISSED EXTRA POINTS
TWO! I've never even heard of 2 XPs missed in an NFL game. College or high school, but not with professionals. Doug Brien's already been cut, and he flat out deserved to be cut. FGs are one thing, but TWO XP misses? I've never heard a Viking booed so heavily at home. Gary Anderson may be brought in now.
This team is still good. 0-2 sucks, especially when they absolutely should be at worst 1-1. But there's still lots to look at positively. The D kills the run. Travis Henry did nothing. And they can run too, Moe Williams being the big guy this week. Over 200 on the ground as a team. If only the passing game could be as great as it once was. Moss is great so far, including a couple more highlight catches today. Bates and Kleinsasser are pimps. Alexander needs to get his shit together, but he too got a TD. Daunte's fumbling all the time though.
The pass D again let them down in the end. Bledsoe carved them up badly. Who is Josh Reed? Well, he had a huge game against them. Oddly, Moulds did little.
This one clearly was not meant to be. They're not over, but they need to for sure win next week or sadly it will be about over.
Week 2 roundup:
--Saints 35, Packers 20--
GB has no defense. Javon Walker already looks like a bust.
--Bears 14, Falcons 13--
Atlanta's another good 0-2 team.
--Panthers 31, Lions 7--
Marty's done. I'll be shocked if he's still there by Halloween. Carolina has to be the worst 2-0 team ever.
--Raiders 30, Steelers 17--
Pitt's over. The Raiders obviously saw the MNF game.
--Patriots 44, Jets 7--
I wonder what the Pats will bitch about when they're favored next week? I hate them so much. Someone please beat these arrogant assholes.
--Giants 26, Rams 21--
It was a nice 3 year run, but it is over. Martz continues to not give Faulk the ball. 5 first half carries? NO heart on this team.
--Cowboys 21, Titans 13--
From the "how did this happen" file.
--Buccaneers 25, Ravens 0--
Tampa's the same team as always, but Baltimore's just awful.
--Cardinals 24, Seahawks 13--
Seahawks 48
Week 4 roundup:
--Chargers 21, Patriots 14--
GO CHARGERS! Finally a competent team takes on the whiners and beats em, also giving all future opponents a nice blueprint on how to do it. Patsies cannot stop the run. Do you hear that, Ricky Williams? As favorites the Pats are now 1-1, with a very unimpressive win.
--Packers 17, Panthers 14--
Obviously they got lucky with the missed FG. GB is 3-1 and that's good, but they still have serious problems. Their WRs(other than Driver) are pathetic. Glenn went out with a headache? Take some Tylenol you pussy!
--Bills 33, Bears 27--
Drew's doing even better than I thought he would.
--Lions 26, Saints 21--
Proof the NFC is mediocre. Lions could be good with Harrington though.
--Cowboys 13, Rams 10--
Rams are obviously finished. Again Martz made a bonehead call near the end that cost them a Wilkins FG.
--Eagles 35, Texans 17--
The spread was too high. Philly did good for a game they clearly weren't that up for.
--Cardinals 21, Giants 7--
I don't think I've ever picked a Giant-Cardinal game right.
--Buccaneers 35, Bengals 7--
Cincy's the only team worse than the Vikings.
--Jaguars 28, Jets 3--
OK, the Jets may be worse too. I had Mack on the bench. DOH!
--Steelers 16, Browns 13--
Can they not blame Kordell for everything? I don't see Bettis doing anything to help.
--Raiders 52, Titans 25--
Ouch! Raiders look like one of the best.
--Chiefs 48, Dolphins 30--
Shoulda seen this coming, with Miami obviously looking ahead to the Patsies.
This isn't a win that'll be a springboard to any kind of playoff run. It wasn't even an impressive win, though Detroit is a good team with Harrington. But damn if it wasn't the most exhilarating win in quite some time.
Culpepper finally played a great game. The INT was not his fault(Tice, just cut Derrick Alexander-he sucks), and he made some great throws, including the throw to Moss that set up the winning TD. Plus he had a few excellent runs. Bennett rocked! That screen pass TD was awesome!
The D was not great, though they only gave up 17 and made a few really big plays, including Chavous' INT to seal it. For these guys, this was a major improvement over the Seattle game(as if it coulda been worse).
0-16 has been averted, and if they can play at this solid level the rest of the way they could still win 5 or 6.
Vikings 25
Bears 7
This was just a fantastic game to see, to see the Vikes play up to their abilities across the board. It was like 2000 all over again for one game.
The defense was outstanding. Even though they've had awful games, they have some great players in there. The line rocked(6 sacks, I think), and we got a couple picks too. And the Bears never got to get in any rhythm, cuz they actually held em more often than not, and kept big plays to a minimum.
Culpepper did really well. He fumbled at the goal line, but then the D got a safety so it didn't hurt. For once they didn't get down after a mistake. But Daunte did all the things he can do, including a couple big runs. Bennett's getting better and better. Hard to notice on a 2-5 team but he's becoming the elite back they need. Moss had his best game of the year, including a TD that was superb. 2000 redux, baby!
It wasn't a perfect game. They had a few stupid penalties(a false start cost em 6 at the end of the 1st half, and Chavous was hit with a couple interference calls), dropped a couple balls, and got sloppy in the 4th(but never enough to let the Bears back in it), but this was still their best performance of the year by far, and hopefully its a sign of things to come.
Week 9 recap:
--Patriots 38, Bills 7--
Very disappointing. Bledsoe's still the better QB. Bills just have no defense. Now the Pats will start talkin shit again.
--Eagles 19, Bears 13--
6 straight losses for the Bears. Philly was iffy, but won on the road following an MNF game.
--49ers 23, Raiders 20 OT--
Its panic time for the Raiders. They need to turn it around immediately or they'll be out of the playoffs.
--Lions 9, Cowboys 7--
Set the game back 25 years.
--Bengals 38, Texans 3--
Far worse teams than these Bengals failed to go 0-16, so you knew they'd win eventually.
--Giants 24, Jaguars 17--
Jags woke up late...too late.
--Redskins 14, Seahawks 3--
Pretty safe to say Jeff George will start very soon.
--Falcons 20, Ravens 17--
Ravens being pushed aside, thank god.
--Rams 27, Cardinals 14--
Rams are comin fast, Cards never were legit contenders. They never are.
--Jets 44, Chargers 13--
I guess the Chargers were due for a loss, but good lawd! Pennington's pretty good.
--Steelers 23, Browns 20--
Steelers have their divison in hand. Wish they'd run well and played D for Kordell.
--Titans 23, Colts 15--
Giants 27
Vikings 20
Once again, proof that if you gotta lose, lose big. Don't flirt with winning only to blow it at the end. This is right there with the Bear and Bill games for depression.
Daunte Culpepper has hopefully thrown his last bad pass for a while. Tice said he won't decide on a QB yet, but its not coincidence that Bouman was the reason the Vikes got back in it. Those back to back passes to Moss were outstanding, and Daunte NEVER woulda hit those. Michael Bennett is an elite back at this point. Nobody notices cuz it's for a 2-7 team, but Bennett should maybe go to the Pro Bowl at this point. When he broke that 78 yard TD I thought they had the game.
My bad. I forgot how pathetic the defense is when it matters. Up 20-19, these losers let the awful Giants go right down and retake the lead with barely any resistance, not to mention when they let the Giants run out the clock with absurd ease. Corey Chavous must be trying to set an NFL record for interference penalties in one season. He has 5 or 6 now in the last 2 games, and of course they all come on 3rd down. And only the Vikings can commit holding and STILL give up a 30 yard pass.
About the only bright spot is that Bryant McKinnie played pretty good. He looks like the real deal. And it's obvious there will be another very high draft pick again next year. Grab the finest DB you can!
Week 10 Recap:
--Packers 40, Lions 14--
Pack look unstoppable. If Favre can overcome the dome curse, he'll get 400 yards next week.
--Steelers 34, Faclons 34--
Bout time we had a tie. Maddox is this year's Kurt Warner. Vick is right there with Favre for MVP. Burress stopped at the 1. Game of the year.
--Patriots 33, Bears 30--
CHOKING LOSERS! The Bears gave this away, showing why they're 2-7. Again the Patriots show their true selves, and get bailed out anyway.
--Jets 13, Dolphins 10--
Panic time for the fish. Lucas can't cut it. They could possibly be in last by the time Fiedler gets back.
--Colts 35, Eagles 13--
A puzzler. I expected Indy to do this, but they've sucked. Philly was due for a dud I guess.
--49ers 17, Chiefs 13--
Thought this would be high scoring. Frisco's got a shot at home field.
--Rams 28, Chargers 24--
They lost, but this sold me once again on the Bolts. Rams better pray Faulk's OK.
--Jaguars 26, Redskins 7--
Spurrier has no offense. Jags are only a game outta 1st
--Saints 34, Panthers 24--
With Peete, Carolina's OK. Saints just keep winning.
--Seahawks 27, Cardinals 6--
Zona should be embarassed.
--Ravens 38, Bengals 27--
All those points, and only 1 TD for Blake(my fantasy starter on Bledsoe's bye).
--Titans 17, Texans 10--
Vikings 31
Packers 21
This may have been the upset of the day, but it really isn't all that surprising. A worse Viking team crushed the Pack here last year. Just something about the dome that curses Favre. He certainly wasn't helped by his lousy WRs(other than Driver), who dropped numerous passes.
Maybe this was Daunte's comeback game. He started fast, but he did stumble, with a couple picks and a couple fumbles. Hey, that rhymed! But he made big plays. We'll see if it lasts. If not, I hear Jake Plummer will be available in free agancy.
Michael Bennett is a superstar in the making. Today, another 100 yard game and another loooooong run in there. He better be in the Pro Bowl. The D was excellent too, getting at Favre and mostly crushing Ahman Green(though he got my putrid fantasy team a TD).
What is frustrating is knowing they won't do this again next week at New England. If just once they could play to their abilities on the road, they could virtually bury the Patsies playoff hopes.
Week 11 Recap:
--Raiders 27, Patriots 20--
Tuck Bowl rematch. The officials kinda tried giving this one away too, but the Raiders are back. Pats didn't have a lousy opponent willing to choke this time.
--Chargers 20, 49ers 17 OT--
Chargers prove they aren't a team that's gonna just fade away.
--Jets 31, Lions 14--
Jets still have a shot at the division.
--Colts 20, Cowboys 3--
Misleading score. Indy was back to mediocrity most of the way.
--Giants 19, Redskins 17--
Giants are 6-4. How?
--Eagles 38, Cardinals 14--
How do you play a whole game on a broken leg? Granted, they were playing the Cardinals, but still.
--Titans 31, Steelers 23--
Presumably Maddox is out now(always amazed those neck injuries aren't more serious), meaning Kordell has one last shot. Titans seem to be rolling.
--Buccaneers 23, Panthers 10--
Tampa has a legit shot at home field. Tampa!
--Falcons 24, Saints 17--
Vick is the best.
--Broncos 31, Seahawks 9--
You knew they'd bounce back.
--Dolphins 26, Ravens 7--
Lucas got his shit together. Ravens are pretty much done.
--Chiefs 17, Bills 16--
Bills are in trouble. When did these 2 teams lose their offenses?
--Jaguars 24, Texans 21--
Jags just a game out of 1st.
--Browns 27, Bengals 20--
Patriots 24
Vikings 17
This shit has gotta stop. Other than last week, these Vikes are the most sadly predictible team in the NFL. Here they go again, they come off their best game of the year, and do they carry that momentum over? No, they get behind 21-0 to the paper champs.
Now, they do deserve credit for legitimately fighting back to 21-17, against a Patriot team that continues to prove itself mediocre in every way. They got to Brady OK, and Daunte hit a couple big passes(Kelly Campbell rocks!). The D made their typical handful of dumb mistakes(i.e. the weekly 3rd down pass interference and countless false starts), but they also made some big plays and gave the offense a shot...which Daunte effectively blew.
You should've seen how bad some of the throws he made were. They were embarassing. He had Walsh for a sure TD and threw it 10 yards out of bounds. He was being sacked and made a dumb toss to Moss that was nearly picked. AGAIN he fumbled without being touched. The fumbling thing is the most irritating thing about Daunte. I wish Tice would scream at him for the fumbling, but all he does is coddle the guy.
I really question whether Tice is a capable coach. They killed Green Bay with the no huddle, but they didn't do that at all til late in the first half this game. Why? Daunte's a terminal screw-up, who gets happy feet unless he has perfect protection, but he at least is better when they're going fast. And why have Gary Anderson try a 40+ field goal into the wind? You know damn well he won't hit that. I'm just sick of Tice's same old crap after every game. He's becoming every bit as excuse-happy as Denny Green was. And when a team is still making such stupid errors at this point in the season, it has to be largely on the coach.
...Week 12 recap...
--Bucs 21, Packers 7--
OK, I believe in Tampa now. This could be their year. I've never seen a worse game from Favre. Usually I defend him, but he played like shit today.
--Colts 23, Broncos 20 OT--
Snow game! Denver's 4 losses have all been on prime time. Those Vanderjagt FGs were amazing. Big win for Indy.
--Dolphins 30, Chargers 3--
Miami's re-asserting themselves as the AFC's best team.
--Jets 31, Bills 13--
The Bills are finished. What happened to Bledsoe?
--Raiders 41, Cardinals 20--
Raiders got the switch back on. Will it last his time?
--Bears 20, Lions 17 OT--
Want proof that Marty Mornhinweg should not be an NFL coach? You got it. Yeah, give the team with all the momentum the ball in OT. Moron!
--Redskins 20, Rams 17--
Warner had no Faulk, and Bulger wasn't exactly great w/no Faulk last week.
--Steelers 29, Bengals 21--
Kordell did really well. It's his bad luck they're again gonna use Bettis insetad of Zereoue.
--Browns 24, Saints 15--
Saints are slipping.
--Texans 16, Giants 14--
Talk about blowing a chance. The Giants had a chance to keep pace with the McNabb-less Philly and they lose to an expansion team.
--Cowboys 21, Jaguars 19--
Jags blew one too. This pretty much killed their playoff chances.
--Falcons 41, Panthers 0--
Carolina can only win in the summer. Falcons are damn dangerous.
--Seahawks 39, Chiefs 32--
This would be the "what?" game of the week. I thought KC had gotten good on defense.
--Ravens 13, Titans 12--
--WEEK 13 RECAP--
--Packers 30, Bears 20--
The Pack got their clinch, but they still seem in a funk. Better not assume victory over the Vikes next week.
--Bills 38, Dolphins 21--
OK, so all I had to do was bench Bledsoe to get him to play good? If they lay an egg against the Patsies next week I will be very pissed.
--Chargers 30, Broncos 27 OT--
I love how the Chargers have bucked the assumptions that they'd collapse. Denver's in some trouble now.
--Colts 19, Texans 3--
Why even kick a FG late to avoid a shutout? Isn't 3 even more embarassing?
--Eagles 10, Rams 3--
Warner should be fined for continually LYING about his hand, which has been hurt all year. Philly's D could be enough for them to go far.
--49ers 31, Seahawks 24--
Niners still seem shaky, but like the Pack have an easy clinch soon.
--Titans 32, Giants 29 OT--
Giants are finished. Titans are in if they win out.
--Chiefs 49, Cardinals 0--
Cards are worse than the Bengals.
--Panthers 13, Browns 6--
What an embarassment for Cleveland.
--Ravens 27, Bengals 23--
Somehow the Ravens aren't yet out of it.
--Steelers 25, Jaguars 23--
Kordell should stay the starter.
--Saints 23, Buccaneers 20--
Suddenly Tampa's in danger of losing home field, or even the division.
--Raiders 26, Jets 20--
Raiders won and didn't even play that good. Huge one next week against the Bolts.
1-Eagles~12-4
2-Redskins~9-7
3-Cowboys~7-9
4-Giants~5-11
NORTH
1-Packers~12-4
2-Vikings~10-6
3-Bears~10-6
4-Lions~3-13
SOUTH
1-Falcons~9-7
2-Buccaneers~9-7
3-Saints~5-11
4-Panthers~2-14
WEST
1-49ers~12-4
2-Rams~12-4
3-Cardinals~8-8
4-Seahawks~4-12
Wild Cards: Rams, Vikings
Playoffs:
49ers over Vikings
Rams over Falcons
Packers over Rams
49ers over Eagles
NFC Championship:
Packers over Eagles
AFC
EAST
1-Bills~10-6
2-Dolphins~10-6
3-Patriots~9-7
4-Jets~8-8
NORTH
1-Steelers~11-5
2-Browns~10-6
3-Ravens~6-10
4-Bengals~6-10
SOUTH
1-Colts~11-5
2-Titans~11-5
3-Jaguars~6-10
4-Texans~1-15
WEST
1-Raiders~10-6
2-Broncos~7-9
3-Chiefs~7-9
4-Chargers~6-10
Wild Cards: Titans, Browns
Playoffs:
Browns over Raiders
Titans over Bills
Steelers over Browns
Colts over Titans
AFC Championship:
Steelers over Colts
SUPER BOWL
Packers 24
Steelers 17
WEEK 1:
Bears 27
Vikings 23
In theory, the Vikes aren't a playoff-level team, so moral victories can be taken away from a game like this. The Vikes played their best game on the road since 2000. They didn't let the Bears do anything on the ground, and only Booker did anything through the air. On the flipside the Vikes ran it well and Daunte hit some nice passes. Even Doug Brien hit his FGs.
But when Greg Biekert left the game it all went to hell. Once again the average Jim Miller lit up the Vikes, leading the Bears to 2 TDs in the last 8 minutes. And Daunte began screwing up, turning it over twice.
But the improvement is already obvious. They WILL be right there in the playoff hunt.
Vikings 23
In theory, the Vikes aren't a playoff-level team, so moral victories can be taken away from a game like this. The Vikes played their best game on the road since 2000. They didn't let the Bears do anything on the ground, and only Booker did anything through the air. On the flipside the Vikes ran it well and Daunte hit some nice passes. Even Doug Brien hit his FGs.
But when Greg Biekert left the game it all went to hell. Once again the average Jim Miller lit up the Vikes, leading the Bears to 2 TDs in the last 8 minutes. And Daunte began screwing up, turning it over twice.
But the improvement is already obvious. They WILL be right there in the playoff hunt.
Week 1 roundup:
--Packers 37, Falcons 34--
Close one, but you can't beat Favre in Lambeau. Looks like I was right about the Falcons too.
--Texans 19, Cowboys 10--
Hi-LARIOUS!! Jerry Jones looked so sad. Love those Texans, and Carr's indeed gonna be great.
--Dolphins 49, Lions 21--
Same ol' Lions, and I won't buy into the fish unless they win in January.
--Broncos 23, Rams 16--
Again Martz gets his ass handed to him. The man is a bad coach. Faulk gets 5 carries in the first half? What does he have against using his best player?
--49ers 16, Giants 13--
Lucky to win. Owens is such a punk.
--Redskins 31, Cardinals 23--
Oh wow, Spurrier lit up Arizona. Who hasn't done that?
--Chiefs 40, Browns 39--
It is so NOT surprising that Dwayne Rudd would do something stupid to cost his team the game.
--Titans 27, Eagles 24--
Losing Kearse is a killer, but the Titans are still gonna get back to the playoffs.
--Saints 26, Bucs 20--
The most reliable thing in the NFL is that the Bucs will always be overrated LOSERS. I cannot believe people thought Gruden would be the difference.
--Panthers 10, Ravens 7--
Billick's in for a long year, which will be very fun to see.
--Raiders 31, Seahawks 17--
At least one of these games went as expected.
--Jets 37, Bills 31--
Bledsoe's got em going, but the special teams remain terrible.
--Chargers 34, Bengals 6--
Good ol' Cincy. So much for anyone thinking they could be a surprise playoff team.
--Colts 28, Jaguars 25--
The Indy D still looks suspect, but at least they won.
Go Steelers! Kill the cocky paper champs!
Vikings/MNF:
Yeah, Biekert's awesome. I guess he was fine after the game, and HAD come back into the game yesterday. Isn't it Al Davis' fault they cut him? Well, thankfully we got him, though how sad that our best defensive player(with all due respect to Hovan) was added to the team less than 2 weeks ago.
The Steelers (non)effort tonight was disgusting, or pathetic as Cowher said. Pats are not this good. If they beat a team that plays halfway decent then I'll believe, but not until then.
The Steelers (non)effort tonight was disgusting, or pathetic as Cowher said. Pats are not this good. If they beat a team that plays halfway decent then I'll believe, but not until then.
WEEK 2:
Bills 45
Vikings 39
overtime
Vikings 39
overtime
God damn. A wild game, the kind that can be great if you win...or crushing if you lose.
I've already gotta wonder if this team is cursed. How can EVERYTHING go against a team in one game? Has it EVER happened before where a team has had this much go wrong?
-a kick return TD given up
-a long TD pass called back by holding
-several fumbles the D couldn't just fall on
-the QB fumbles several times, one recovered for a TD
-a FG that hits the upright and bounces in from 50+
-a couple questionable calls that go against them
-400+ passing yards given up
-TWO MISSED EXTRA POINTS
TWO! I've never even heard of 2 XPs missed in an NFL game. College or high school, but not with professionals. Doug Brien's already been cut, and he flat out deserved to be cut. FGs are one thing, but TWO XP misses? I've never heard a Viking booed so heavily at home. Gary Anderson may be brought in now.
This team is still good. 0-2 sucks, especially when they absolutely should be at worst 1-1. But there's still lots to look at positively. The D kills the run. Travis Henry did nothing. And they can run too, Moe Williams being the big guy this week. Over 200 on the ground as a team. If only the passing game could be as great as it once was. Moss is great so far, including a couple more highlight catches today. Bates and Kleinsasser are pimps. Alexander needs to get his shit together, but he too got a TD. Daunte's fumbling all the time though.
The pass D again let them down in the end. Bledsoe carved them up badly. Who is Josh Reed? Well, he had a huge game against them. Oddly, Moulds did little.
This one clearly was not meant to be. They're not over, but they need to for sure win next week or sadly it will be about over.
Week 2 roundup:
--Saints 35, Packers 20--
GB has no defense. Javon Walker already looks like a bust.
--Bears 14, Falcons 13--
Atlanta's another good 0-2 team.
--Panthers 31, Lions 7--
Marty's done. I'll be shocked if he's still there by Halloween. Carolina has to be the worst 2-0 team ever.
--Raiders 30, Steelers 17--
Pitt's over. The Raiders obviously saw the MNF game.
--Patriots 44, Jets 7--
I wonder what the Pats will bitch about when they're favored next week? I hate them so much. Someone please beat these arrogant assholes.
--Giants 26, Rams 21--
It was a nice 3 year run, but it is over. Martz continues to not give Faulk the ball. 5 first half carries? NO heart on this team.
--Cowboys 21, Titans 13--
From the "how did this happen" file.
--Buccaneers 25, Ravens 0--
Tampa's the same team as always, but Baltimore's just awful.
--Cardinals 24, Seahawks 13--
Can't even win with Trent now, huh?
--Dolphins 21, Colts 13--
Miami might be for real. Colts need to learn how to run a 2 minute drill quickly.
--Browns 20, Bengals 7--
If I were a Bengal fan I'd shoot myself. ANOTHER Brown got a penalty for removing his helmet!
--Chargers 24, Texans 3--
Back to reality for Carr and the gang.
--Jaguars 23, Chiefs 16--
If Taylor stays healthy for once, they might have a shot.
--Broncos 24, 49ers 14--
Denver looks like the AFC's best, maybe.
--Dolphins 21, Colts 13--
Miami might be for real. Colts need to learn how to run a 2 minute drill quickly.
--Browns 20, Bengals 7--
If I were a Bengal fan I'd shoot myself. ANOTHER Brown got a penalty for removing his helmet!
--Chargers 24, Texans 3--
Back to reality for Carr and the gang.
--Jaguars 23, Chiefs 16--
If Taylor stays healthy for once, they might have a shot.
--Broncos 24, 49ers 14--
Denver looks like the AFC's best, maybe.
WEEK 3:
Panthers 21
Vikings 14
0-3. This hole is too big for this team to climb out of. In 15 or so years of Viking fandom, this is the first time they've been essentially finished before the leaves turn. Oh sure, it's possible they could go on a run, but they won't. They won't, because Daunte Culpepper has regressed shockingly into a deeply mediocre QB.
This loss was all on him. He went ballistic on Moss on the sideline for not catching a pass, obviously having missed the fact that said throw was WAY high. Later he has Moss streaking down the field for what could've been a tying TD and he underthrew him by at least 15 yards. I'd never seen such an ugly throw. Then there's his constant fumbling. He can't not fumble. His confidence is shot. He's like the worst parts of Kordell Stewart and Tony Banks combined. With him faltering this much, I can't see the Vikes bettering even the lousy 5-11 record. Oh well, we'll get another high draft pick, hopfully a guy not represented by the most greedy agents in history.
Vikings 14
0-3. This hole is too big for this team to climb out of. In 15 or so years of Viking fandom, this is the first time they've been essentially finished before the leaves turn. Oh sure, it's possible they could go on a run, but they won't. They won't, because Daunte Culpepper has regressed shockingly into a deeply mediocre QB.
This loss was all on him. He went ballistic on Moss on the sideline for not catching a pass, obviously having missed the fact that said throw was WAY high. Later he has Moss streaking down the field for what could've been a tying TD and he underthrew him by at least 15 yards. I'd never seen such an ugly throw. Then there's his constant fumbling. He can't not fumble. His confidence is shot. He's like the worst parts of Kordell Stewart and Tony Banks combined. With him faltering this much, I can't see the Vikes bettering even the lousy 5-11 record. Oh well, we'll get another high draft pick, hopfully a guy not represented by the most greedy agents in history.
Week 3 roundup:
--Packers 37, Lions 31--
GB is ridiculous. They got way too lax in the 4th and almost blew it. Favre was amazing again though.
--Saints 29, Bears 23--
Saints could stay unbeaten for a while. They've already played and won 2 of their tougher games.
--Patriots 41, Chiefs 38 OT--
They won, yes, but they were exposed. They aren't all they think they are. They whine nonstop about not getting respect, then when they finally are favored, they give up 38 at home to one of the league's worst teams. We'll see what happens when they play Miami.
--49ers 20, Redskins 10--
What's with the Niners getting food poisoning? Spurrier's sure looking bad.
--Eagles 44, Cowboys 13--
How bout them Cowboys?
--Giants 9, Seahawks 6--
Zzzzzzz......
--Falcons 30, Bengals 3--
How can Cincy stay so godawful?
--Chargers 23, Cardinals 15--
When will they give up on Plummer?
--Dolphins 30, Jets 3--
I really do think Miami's legit this time. Jets are terrible.
--Broncos 28, Bills 23--
Denver may be the AFC's best. Bills are good, but the schedule is SO tough for em.
--Browns 31, Titans 28 OT--
Browns should be 3-0. Titans look like underachievers again.
--Colts 23, Texans 3--
The first game was a fluke for Houston.
--Packers 37, Lions 31--
GB is ridiculous. They got way too lax in the 4th and almost blew it. Favre was amazing again though.
--Saints 29, Bears 23--
Saints could stay unbeaten for a while. They've already played and won 2 of their tougher games.
--Patriots 41, Chiefs 38 OT--
They won, yes, but they were exposed. They aren't all they think they are. They whine nonstop about not getting respect, then when they finally are favored, they give up 38 at home to one of the league's worst teams. We'll see what happens when they play Miami.
--49ers 20, Redskins 10--
What's with the Niners getting food poisoning? Spurrier's sure looking bad.
--Eagles 44, Cowboys 13--
How bout them Cowboys?
--Giants 9, Seahawks 6--
Zzzzzzz......
--Falcons 30, Bengals 3--
How can Cincy stay so godawful?
--Chargers 23, Cardinals 15--
When will they give up on Plummer?
--Dolphins 30, Jets 3--
I really do think Miami's legit this time. Jets are terrible.
--Broncos 28, Bills 23--
Denver may be the AFC's best. Bills are good, but the schedule is SO tough for em.
--Browns 31, Titans 28 OT--
Browns should be 3-0. Titans look like underachievers again.
--Colts 23, Texans 3--
The first game was a fluke for Houston.
The Randy Moss meter maid incident:
Randy, you dumb fuck.
For those who don't know, Randy was arrested yesterday for almost running over a lady traffic cop with his Lexus. There was also a little mary jane in his car.
OK, first of all, is he such a pussy that he couldn't go after a real male cop? He has to pick on a woman traffic cop? Was he upset that she did a better job blocking him than he usually does blocking d-backs on running plays? He claims it was a "misunderstanding." How did he not understand to STOP when he's in the middle of pushing her a half a block? What a moron.
All of this would have been averted if it was Doug Brien driving that car, because of course he would've missed the cop altogether.
For those who don't know, Randy was arrested yesterday for almost running over a lady traffic cop with his Lexus. There was also a little mary jane in his car.
OK, first of all, is he such a pussy that he couldn't go after a real male cop? He has to pick on a woman traffic cop? Was he upset that she did a better job blocking him than he usually does blocking d-backs on running plays? He claims it was a "misunderstanding." How did he not understand to STOP when he's in the middle of pushing her a half a block? What a moron.
All of this would have been averted if it was Doug Brien driving that car, because of course he would've missed the cop altogether.
WEEK 4:
Seahawks 48
Vikings 23
45-10 at the half. Not since the 41-0 NFC championship fiasco have I been more stunned looking at the score of a Vikings game. I knew the Vikes had problems, but to this extent? They are a joke. They are a horrible team, so mistake happy that they WILL flirt with going 0-16. Why not? When Minnesota sports teams go bad, they set RECORDS for futility. 0-16 would fit right in.
The defense is completely unable to tackle. Shaun Alexander's having a dismal season so far, than he goes untouched for 80 yards, and scores 5 TDs. Dilfer naturally looks great. Oddly, the offense did OK, but they couldn't get on the field while most of this was going on. Fumbles on back to back kickoffs? Ridiculous!
The most bizarre thing about that game is that the Vikings could've made it a game in the 2nd half. Seattle basically begged them to. And what did the Vikes do to respond? Moss drops at least 4 potential TD passes. The embarassing Derrick Alexander drops a few more(he shouldn't even be on an NFL roster the way he plays). It should've been 45-31 with still over a quarter to go. Daunte was doing well at that point, and the D had started to at least show up, though one wonders if it was just Seattle not trying too hard.
If it was really the Vikings doing, they can win a couple games, but it has now officially gone from hoping for a playoff year to hoping they don't go 0-16.
45-10 at the half. Not since the 41-0 NFC championship fiasco have I been more stunned looking at the score of a Vikings game. I knew the Vikes had problems, but to this extent? They are a joke. They are a horrible team, so mistake happy that they WILL flirt with going 0-16. Why not? When Minnesota sports teams go bad, they set RECORDS for futility. 0-16 would fit right in.
The defense is completely unable to tackle. Shaun Alexander's having a dismal season so far, than he goes untouched for 80 yards, and scores 5 TDs. Dilfer naturally looks great. Oddly, the offense did OK, but they couldn't get on the field while most of this was going on. Fumbles on back to back kickoffs? Ridiculous!
The most bizarre thing about that game is that the Vikings could've made it a game in the 2nd half. Seattle basically begged them to. And what did the Vikes do to respond? Moss drops at least 4 potential TD passes. The embarassing Derrick Alexander drops a few more(he shouldn't even be on an NFL roster the way he plays). It should've been 45-31 with still over a quarter to go. Daunte was doing well at that point, and the D had started to at least show up, though one wonders if it was just Seattle not trying too hard.
If it was really the Vikings doing, they can win a couple games, but it has now officially gone from hoping for a playoff year to hoping they don't go 0-16.
Week 4 roundup:
--Chargers 21, Patriots 14--
GO CHARGERS! Finally a competent team takes on the whiners and beats em, also giving all future opponents a nice blueprint on how to do it. Patsies cannot stop the run. Do you hear that, Ricky Williams? As favorites the Pats are now 1-1, with a very unimpressive win.
--Packers 17, Panthers 14--
Obviously they got lucky with the missed FG. GB is 3-1 and that's good, but they still have serious problems. Their WRs(other than Driver) are pathetic. Glenn went out with a headache? Take some Tylenol you pussy!
--Bills 33, Bears 27--
Drew's doing even better than I thought he would.
--Lions 26, Saints 21--
Proof the NFC is mediocre. Lions could be good with Harrington though.
--Cowboys 13, Rams 10--
Rams are obviously finished. Again Martz made a bonehead call near the end that cost them a Wilkins FG.
--Eagles 35, Texans 17--
The spread was too high. Philly did good for a game they clearly weren't that up for.
--Cardinals 21, Giants 7--
I don't think I've ever picked a Giant-Cardinal game right.
--Buccaneers 35, Bengals 7--
Cincy's the only team worse than the Vikings.
--Jaguars 28, Jets 3--
OK, the Jets may be worse too. I had Mack on the bench. DOH!
--Steelers 16, Browns 13--
Can they not blame Kordell for everything? I don't see Bettis doing anything to help.
--Raiders 52, Titans 25--
Ouch! Raiders look like one of the best.
--Chiefs 48, Dolphins 30--
Shoulda seen this coming, with Miami obviously looking ahead to the Patsies.
--Dolphins 26, Patriots 13--
Another sweet ass kickin of the Patsies. Fiedler had one of his better games.
--Raiders 49, Bills 31--
A little more lopsided than it was. Raiders are now even more obviously the best team out there.
--Saints 32, Steelers 29--
Gee, I thought the Steelers would win every time w/Maddox, since its all Kordell's fault, right? No, it's the D and the fact that this was the first time Bettis did anything. Give Kordell his job back!
--Chiefs 29, Jets 25--
Man, KC's D will get housed by anybody.
--Broncos 26, Chargers 9--
See, the MNF game was a fluke. Denver's as good as anybody.
--Ravens 26, Browns 21--
Tim Couch has lost his job. The Ravens are not contenders. Holcomb was dissecting them.
--Redskins 31, Titans 14--
Skins got themselves a QB. Titans are a catastophe.
--Giants 21, Cowboys 17--
Giants are the worst 3-2 team out there. Nice coaching by Campo.
Another sweet ass kickin of the Patsies. Fiedler had one of his better games.
--Raiders 49, Bills 31--
A little more lopsided than it was. Raiders are now even more obviously the best team out there.
--Saints 32, Steelers 29--
Gee, I thought the Steelers would win every time w/Maddox, since its all Kordell's fault, right? No, it's the D and the fact that this was the first time Bettis did anything. Give Kordell his job back!
--Chiefs 29, Jets 25--
Man, KC's D will get housed by anybody.
--Broncos 26, Chargers 9--
See, the MNF game was a fluke. Denver's as good as anybody.
--Ravens 26, Browns 21--
Tim Couch has lost his job. The Ravens are not contenders. Holcomb was dissecting them.
--Redskins 31, Titans 14--
Skins got themselves a QB. Titans are a catastophe.
--Giants 21, Cowboys 17--
Giants are the worst 3-2 team out there. Nice coaching by Campo.
--Jaguars 28, Eagles 25--
I really hope the Jags stay healthy, cuz that division is theirs if they do.
--Buccaneers 20, Falcons 6--
Tampa's doing their thing again, not that it'll get em anywhere. Atlanta's nothing w/o Vick.
--Cardinals 16, Panthers 13--
Looks like the Panthers brief rise is over.
--49ers 37, Rams 13--
The absolute collapse of the Rams has to be one of the more stunning things I've seen in 15 years of following the NFL.
--Colts 28, Bengals 21--
How do you let Cincy make it close at home? Indy still has problems.
I really hope the Jags stay healthy, cuz that division is theirs if they do.
--Buccaneers 20, Falcons 6--
Tampa's doing their thing again, not that it'll get em anywhere. Atlanta's nothing w/o Vick.
--Cardinals 16, Panthers 13--
Looks like the Panthers brief rise is over.
--49ers 37, Rams 13--
The absolute collapse of the Rams has to be one of the more stunning things I've seen in 15 years of following the NFL.
--Colts 28, Bengals 21--
How do you let Cincy make it close at home? Indy still has problems.
WEEK 6:
Vikings 31
Lions 24This isn't a win that'll be a springboard to any kind of playoff run. It wasn't even an impressive win, though Detroit is a good team with Harrington. But damn if it wasn't the most exhilarating win in quite some time.
Culpepper finally played a great game. The INT was not his fault(Tice, just cut Derrick Alexander-he sucks), and he made some great throws, including the throw to Moss that set up the winning TD. Plus he had a few excellent runs. Bennett rocked! That screen pass TD was awesome!
The D was not great, though they only gave up 17 and made a few really big plays, including Chavous' INT to seal it. For these guys, this was a major improvement over the Seattle game(as if it coulda been worse).
0-16 has been averted, and if they can play at this solid level the rest of the way they could still win 5 or 6.
Week 6 Recap:
--Packers 28, Patriots 10--
Favre destroys the Patsies. Hard to find a more satisfying result all year long. Brady's being exposed weekly now.
--Dolphins 24, Broncos 22--
May hold up as the best game of the year. TWO 50+ FGs in the last minute! Neither team really lost it. Fiedler's hurt though, I heard.
--Rams 28, Raiders 13--
Well, this makes no sense. A QB I'd never heard of(even in college) not only beats the unbeaten, seemingly unstoppable Raiders, but routs them.
--Saints 43, Redskins 27--
Skins got great special teams.
--Falcons 17, Giants 10--
Embarassing to lose at home to them w/o Vick.
--Cowboys 14, Panthers 13--
Certainly a lucky win, but its about the only game I picked right this week so I'll take it
--Chargers 35, Chiefs 34--
Impressive comeback. This sold me on the bolts now. They're good.
--Buccaneers 17, Browns 3--
Browns are really disappointing right now. Still not sold on Tampa.
--Bills 31, Texans 24--
Bledsoe kinda had an off game. Their D can't stop anyone.
--Steelers 34, Bengals 7--
Yeah, but it was the Bengals.
--Colts 22, Ravens 20--
Colts are a fraud. Barely beat the Ravens w/o Lewis. Btw Billick, that was obvious interference, you jackass.
--Titans 23, Jaguars 14--
They lost Brunell early, so this loss is misleading. Amazing how all my guys get TDs when I have a bye.
--Packers 28, Patriots 10--
Favre destroys the Patsies. Hard to find a more satisfying result all year long. Brady's being exposed weekly now.
--Dolphins 24, Broncos 22--
May hold up as the best game of the year. TWO 50+ FGs in the last minute! Neither team really lost it. Fiedler's hurt though, I heard.
--Rams 28, Raiders 13--
Well, this makes no sense. A QB I'd never heard of(even in college) not only beats the unbeaten, seemingly unstoppable Raiders, but routs them.
--Saints 43, Redskins 27--
Skins got great special teams.
--Falcons 17, Giants 10--
Embarassing to lose at home to them w/o Vick.
--Cowboys 14, Panthers 13--
Certainly a lucky win, but its about the only game I picked right this week so I'll take it
--Chargers 35, Chiefs 34--
Impressive comeback. This sold me on the bolts now. They're good.
--Buccaneers 17, Browns 3--
Browns are really disappointing right now. Still not sold on Tampa.
--Bills 31, Texans 24--
Bledsoe kinda had an off game. Their D can't stop anyone.
--Steelers 34, Bengals 7--
Yeah, but it was the Bengals.
--Colts 22, Ravens 20--
Colts are a fraud. Barely beat the Ravens w/o Lewis. Btw Billick, that was obvious interference, you jackass.
--Titans 23, Jaguars 14--
They lost Brunell early, so this loss is misleading. Amazing how all my guys get TDs when I have a bye.
WEEK 7:
Jets 20
Vikings 7
It really wasn't even THAT close. The Jets stink, but once again the Vikes aid a slumping team.
Culpepper had another candidate for worst game ever. Pick...pick...pick. It's time to go to the backup Todd Bouman, and see what he can do. They're already out of playoff contention. Daunte's contract's up after the season and he ain't getting a big payday anyway.
The pass D contnues to be a joke. Moss ran all over the field untouched...oh, but that would be Santana Moss, whose been a bust until this game. They can stop the run OK, but the opposing passers can do anything they want.
This is 14 straight road losses. This was their most winnable road game of the year, except possibly at Detroit. Overall its 3-13 if they're lucky.
Vikings 7
It really wasn't even THAT close. The Jets stink, but once again the Vikes aid a slumping team.
Culpepper had another candidate for worst game ever. Pick...pick...pick. It's time to go to the backup Todd Bouman, and see what he can do. They're already out of playoff contention. Daunte's contract's up after the season and he ain't getting a big payday anyway.
The pass D contnues to be a joke. Moss ran all over the field untouched...oh, but that would be Santana Moss, whose been a bust until this game. They can stop the run OK, but the opposing passers can do anything they want.
This is 14 straight road losses. This was their most winnable road game of the year, except possibly at Detroit. Overall its 3-13 if they're lucky.
Week 7 Recap:
--Packers 30, Redskins 9--
Favre got hurt, but not too bad. Plus they got a bye now. The D stepped up huge after he went out.
--Chargers 27, Raiders 21 OT--
The Raider decline's happening earlier this time, and the Bolts are money. Several D starters out and they win at Oakland anyway.
--Eagles 20, Buccaneers 10--
Just like a wild card game.
--Broncos 37, Chiefs 34 OT--
KC could be great if they had a D or the ability to win in the 4th.
--Falcons 30, Panthers 0--
Safe to say the wheels have come off for the Panthers.
--Cardinals 9, Cowboys 6 OT--
This is just the kind of game you want to see go deep into overtime. Cards are 4-2 somehow.
--Lions 23, Bears 20 OT--
Bears are a mess, but of course the Vikes will help that next week.
--Saints 35, 49ers 27--
Saints have their division in hand unless they screw up.
--Rams 37, Seahawks 20--
Hmm, Martz starts feedin it to Faulk, and now they look like the Rams again. Funny how that works. Took him til 0-5 to figure it out though.
--Bills 23, Dolphins 10--
My Bills as divison champs pick looks OK now, huh? Only a game out. Ray Lucas is awful.
--Ravens 17, Jaguars 10--
So much for the Jags as contenders.
--Browns 34, Texans 17--
The orange unis SUCK! Texans are gettin better.
--Packers 30, Redskins 9--
Favre got hurt, but not too bad. Plus they got a bye now. The D stepped up huge after he went out.
--Chargers 27, Raiders 21 OT--
The Raider decline's happening earlier this time, and the Bolts are money. Several D starters out and they win at Oakland anyway.
--Eagles 20, Buccaneers 10--
Just like a wild card game.
--Broncos 37, Chiefs 34 OT--
KC could be great if they had a D or the ability to win in the 4th.
--Falcons 30, Panthers 0--
Safe to say the wheels have come off for the Panthers.
--Cardinals 9, Cowboys 6 OT--
This is just the kind of game you want to see go deep into overtime. Cards are 4-2 somehow.
--Lions 23, Bears 20 OT--
Bears are a mess, but of course the Vikes will help that next week.
--Saints 35, 49ers 27--
Saints have their division in hand unless they screw up.
--Rams 37, Seahawks 20--
Hmm, Martz starts feedin it to Faulk, and now they look like the Rams again. Funny how that works. Took him til 0-5 to figure it out though.
--Bills 23, Dolphins 10--
My Bills as divison champs pick looks OK now, huh? Only a game out. Ray Lucas is awful.
--Ravens 17, Jaguars 10--
So much for the Jags as contenders.
--Browns 34, Texans 17--
The orange unis SUCK! Texans are gettin better.
WEEK 8:
Bears 7
This was just a fantastic game to see, to see the Vikes play up to their abilities across the board. It was like 2000 all over again for one game.
The defense was outstanding. Even though they've had awful games, they have some great players in there. The line rocked(6 sacks, I think), and we got a couple picks too. And the Bears never got to get in any rhythm, cuz they actually held em more often than not, and kept big plays to a minimum.
Culpepper did really well. He fumbled at the goal line, but then the D got a safety so it didn't hurt. For once they didn't get down after a mistake. But Daunte did all the things he can do, including a couple big runs. Bennett's getting better and better. Hard to notice on a 2-5 team but he's becoming the elite back they need. Moss had his best game of the year, including a TD that was superb. 2000 redux, baby!
It wasn't a perfect game. They had a few stupid penalties(a false start cost em 6 at the end of the 1st half, and Chavous was hit with a couple interference calls), dropped a couple balls, and got sloppy in the 4th(but never enough to let the Bears back in it), but this was still their best performance of the year by far, and hopefully its a sign of things to come.
Week 8 Recap:
--Broncos 24, Patriots 16--
Each Patsie loss is thoroughly satisfying, but none could top it if the Bills beat em next week.
--Seahawks 17, Cowboys 14--
Emmitt set the rushing record, but its weird how the team didnt seem to notice that they lost the game. Dilfer tore his ACL. He's just about the last guy you want to have a season ending injury.
--Steelers 31, Ravens 18--
Its always a joy to see Pitt crush Baltimore, and now they're in 1st place.
--Falcons 37, Saints 35--
Vick is maybe the league's MVP, next to Favre. Amazing.
--Redskins 26, Colts 21--
Manning seems to have totally lost it. Skins refuse to make any sense.
--Buccaneers 12, Panthers 9--
Tampa will always be like this. I wonder if they'll slaughter the Vikes as usual next week.
--Bills 24, Lions 17--
Bledsoe keeps em rolling, now he gets to go at Brady.
--49ers 38, Cardinals 28--
Cards predictibly proven as fake contenders. Niners are in great shape for the division.
--Browns 24, Jets 21--
Browns remain a puzzle.
--Titans 30, Bengals 24--
Titans avoid the embarassment of losing to Cincy. Barely.
--Texans 21, Jaguars 19--
What happened to the Jags?
--Chiefs 20, Raiders 10--
Buccaneers 38
Vikings 24
How sad that this was actually an IMPROVEMENT over their last few trips to Tampa. If the Bucs got to host the Vikes every week they'd have already made it to a few super bowls. We always make em look like an offensive juggernaut.
Brad Johnson picked em apart, Keyshawn had 2 TDs for the first time in 2 years. Again they did OK against the run, but what does it matter when you can't even put up resistence through the air? Its like they forgot completely what they did last week.
Culpepper blew the game. They had a legit chance to get right back in the game. They got an onside kick down 14, then Daunte goes and throws a gift INT to Sapp on the very next play. I give Daunte a lot of leeway, but I place this loss on him. That one play removed any chance to win. It is Bouman time.
--Broncos 24, Patriots 16--
Each Patsie loss is thoroughly satisfying, but none could top it if the Bills beat em next week.
--Seahawks 17, Cowboys 14--
Emmitt set the rushing record, but its weird how the team didnt seem to notice that they lost the game. Dilfer tore his ACL. He's just about the last guy you want to have a season ending injury.
--Steelers 31, Ravens 18--
Its always a joy to see Pitt crush Baltimore, and now they're in 1st place.
--Falcons 37, Saints 35--
Vick is maybe the league's MVP, next to Favre. Amazing.
--Redskins 26, Colts 21--
Manning seems to have totally lost it. Skins refuse to make any sense.
--Buccaneers 12, Panthers 9--
Tampa will always be like this. I wonder if they'll slaughter the Vikes as usual next week.
--Bills 24, Lions 17--
Bledsoe keeps em rolling, now he gets to go at Brady.
--49ers 38, Cardinals 28--
Cards predictibly proven as fake contenders. Niners are in great shape for the division.
--Browns 24, Jets 21--
Browns remain a puzzle.
--Titans 30, Bengals 24--
Titans avoid the embarassment of losing to Cincy. Barely.
--Texans 21, Jaguars 19--
What happened to the Jags?
--Chiefs 20, Raiders 10--
Raiders were 4-0, now they look like a team that won't even make the playoffs. Only 10 points against the Chiefs?
WEEK 9:
Vikings 24
How sad that this was actually an IMPROVEMENT over their last few trips to Tampa. If the Bucs got to host the Vikes every week they'd have already made it to a few super bowls. We always make em look like an offensive juggernaut.
Brad Johnson picked em apart, Keyshawn had 2 TDs for the first time in 2 years. Again they did OK against the run, but what does it matter when you can't even put up resistence through the air? Its like they forgot completely what they did last week.
Culpepper blew the game. They had a legit chance to get right back in the game. They got an onside kick down 14, then Daunte goes and throws a gift INT to Sapp on the very next play. I give Daunte a lot of leeway, but I place this loss on him. That one play removed any chance to win. It is Bouman time.
Week 9 recap:
--Patriots 38, Bills 7--
Very disappointing. Bledsoe's still the better QB. Bills just have no defense. Now the Pats will start talkin shit again.
--Eagles 19, Bears 13--
6 straight losses for the Bears. Philly was iffy, but won on the road following an MNF game.
--49ers 23, Raiders 20 OT--
Its panic time for the Raiders. They need to turn it around immediately or they'll be out of the playoffs.
--Lions 9, Cowboys 7--
Set the game back 25 years.
--Bengals 38, Texans 3--
Far worse teams than these Bengals failed to go 0-16, so you knew they'd win eventually.
--Giants 24, Jaguars 17--
Jags woke up late...too late.
--Redskins 14, Seahawks 3--
Pretty safe to say Jeff George will start very soon.
--Falcons 20, Ravens 17--
Ravens being pushed aside, thank god.
--Rams 27, Cardinals 14--
Rams are comin fast, Cards never were legit contenders. They never are.
--Jets 44, Chargers 13--
I guess the Chargers were due for a loss, but good lawd! Pennington's pretty good.
--Steelers 23, Browns 20--
Steelers have their divison in hand. Wish they'd run well and played D for Kordell.
--Titans 23, Colts 15--
Colts are a mess. Is Dungy some sort of offense kryptonite? AFC South is the worst divison in football.
WEEK 10:
Vikings 20
Once again, proof that if you gotta lose, lose big. Don't flirt with winning only to blow it at the end. This is right there with the Bear and Bill games for depression.
Daunte Culpepper has hopefully thrown his last bad pass for a while. Tice said he won't decide on a QB yet, but its not coincidence that Bouman was the reason the Vikes got back in it. Those back to back passes to Moss were outstanding, and Daunte NEVER woulda hit those. Michael Bennett is an elite back at this point. Nobody notices cuz it's for a 2-7 team, but Bennett should maybe go to the Pro Bowl at this point. When he broke that 78 yard TD I thought they had the game.
My bad. I forgot how pathetic the defense is when it matters. Up 20-19, these losers let the awful Giants go right down and retake the lead with barely any resistance, not to mention when they let the Giants run out the clock with absurd ease. Corey Chavous must be trying to set an NFL record for interference penalties in one season. He has 5 or 6 now in the last 2 games, and of course they all come on 3rd down. And only the Vikings can commit holding and STILL give up a 30 yard pass.
About the only bright spot is that Bryant McKinnie played pretty good. He looks like the real deal. And it's obvious there will be another very high draft pick again next year. Grab the finest DB you can!
Week 10 Recap:
--Packers 40, Lions 14--
Pack look unstoppable. If Favre can overcome the dome curse, he'll get 400 yards next week.
--Steelers 34, Faclons 34--
Bout time we had a tie. Maddox is this year's Kurt Warner. Vick is right there with Favre for MVP. Burress stopped at the 1. Game of the year.
--Patriots 33, Bears 30--
CHOKING LOSERS! The Bears gave this away, showing why they're 2-7. Again the Patriots show their true selves, and get bailed out anyway.
--Jets 13, Dolphins 10--
Panic time for the fish. Lucas can't cut it. They could possibly be in last by the time Fiedler gets back.
--Colts 35, Eagles 13--
A puzzler. I expected Indy to do this, but they've sucked. Philly was due for a dud I guess.
--49ers 17, Chiefs 13--
Thought this would be high scoring. Frisco's got a shot at home field.
--Rams 28, Chargers 24--
They lost, but this sold me once again on the Bolts. Rams better pray Faulk's OK.
--Jaguars 26, Redskins 7--
Spurrier has no offense. Jags are only a game outta 1st
--Saints 34, Panthers 24--
With Peete, Carolina's OK. Saints just keep winning.
--Seahawks 27, Cardinals 6--
Zona should be embarassed.
--Ravens 38, Bengals 27--
All those points, and only 1 TD for Blake(my fantasy starter on Bledsoe's bye).
--Titans 17, Texans 10--
Another lackluster Titan win.
WEEK 11:
Packers 21
This may have been the upset of the day, but it really isn't all that surprising. A worse Viking team crushed the Pack here last year. Just something about the dome that curses Favre. He certainly wasn't helped by his lousy WRs(other than Driver), who dropped numerous passes.
Maybe this was Daunte's comeback game. He started fast, but he did stumble, with a couple picks and a couple fumbles. Hey, that rhymed! But he made big plays. We'll see if it lasts. If not, I hear Jake Plummer will be available in free agancy.
Michael Bennett is a superstar in the making. Today, another 100 yard game and another loooooong run in there. He better be in the Pro Bowl. The D was excellent too, getting at Favre and mostly crushing Ahman Green(though he got my putrid fantasy team a TD).
What is frustrating is knowing they won't do this again next week at New England. If just once they could play to their abilities on the road, they could virtually bury the Patsies playoff hopes.
Week 11 Recap:
--Raiders 27, Patriots 20--
Tuck Bowl rematch. The officials kinda tried giving this one away too, but the Raiders are back. Pats didn't have a lousy opponent willing to choke this time.
--Chargers 20, 49ers 17 OT--
Chargers prove they aren't a team that's gonna just fade away.
--Jets 31, Lions 14--
Jets still have a shot at the division.
--Colts 20, Cowboys 3--
Misleading score. Indy was back to mediocrity most of the way.
--Giants 19, Redskins 17--
Giants are 6-4. How?
--Eagles 38, Cardinals 14--
How do you play a whole game on a broken leg? Granted, they were playing the Cardinals, but still.
--Titans 31, Steelers 23--
Presumably Maddox is out now(always amazed those neck injuries aren't more serious), meaning Kordell has one last shot. Titans seem to be rolling.
--Buccaneers 23, Panthers 10--
Tampa has a legit shot at home field. Tampa!
--Falcons 24, Saints 17--
Vick is the best.
--Broncos 31, Seahawks 9--
You knew they'd bounce back.
--Dolphins 26, Ravens 7--
Lucas got his shit together. Ravens are pretty much done.
--Chiefs 17, Bills 16--
Bills are in trouble. When did these 2 teams lose their offenses?
--Jaguars 24, Texans 21--
Jags just a game out of 1st.
--Browns 27, Bengals 20--
Cincy's at least fairly competitive now.
WEEK 12:
Vikings 17
This shit has gotta stop. Other than last week, these Vikes are the most sadly predictible team in the NFL. Here they go again, they come off their best game of the year, and do they carry that momentum over? No, they get behind 21-0 to the paper champs.
Now, they do deserve credit for legitimately fighting back to 21-17, against a Patriot team that continues to prove itself mediocre in every way. They got to Brady OK, and Daunte hit a couple big passes(Kelly Campbell rocks!). The D made their typical handful of dumb mistakes(i.e. the weekly 3rd down pass interference and countless false starts), but they also made some big plays and gave the offense a shot...which Daunte effectively blew.
You should've seen how bad some of the throws he made were. They were embarassing. He had Walsh for a sure TD and threw it 10 yards out of bounds. He was being sacked and made a dumb toss to Moss that was nearly picked. AGAIN he fumbled without being touched. The fumbling thing is the most irritating thing about Daunte. I wish Tice would scream at him for the fumbling, but all he does is coddle the guy.
I really question whether Tice is a capable coach. They killed Green Bay with the no huddle, but they didn't do that at all til late in the first half this game. Why? Daunte's a terminal screw-up, who gets happy feet unless he has perfect protection, but he at least is better when they're going fast. And why have Gary Anderson try a 40+ field goal into the wind? You know damn well he won't hit that. I'm just sick of Tice's same old crap after every game. He's becoming every bit as excuse-happy as Denny Green was. And when a team is still making such stupid errors at this point in the season, it has to be largely on the coach.
...Week 12 recap...
--Bucs 21, Packers 7--
OK, I believe in Tampa now. This could be their year. I've never seen a worse game from Favre. Usually I defend him, but he played like shit today.
--Colts 23, Broncos 20 OT--
Snow game! Denver's 4 losses have all been on prime time. Those Vanderjagt FGs were amazing. Big win for Indy.
--Dolphins 30, Chargers 3--
Miami's re-asserting themselves as the AFC's best team.
--Jets 31, Bills 13--
The Bills are finished. What happened to Bledsoe?
--Raiders 41, Cardinals 20--
Raiders got the switch back on. Will it last his time?
--Bears 20, Lions 17 OT--
Want proof that Marty Mornhinweg should not be an NFL coach? You got it. Yeah, give the team with all the momentum the ball in OT. Moron!
--Redskins 20, Rams 17--
Warner had no Faulk, and Bulger wasn't exactly great w/no Faulk last week.
--Steelers 29, Bengals 21--
Kordell did really well. It's his bad luck they're again gonna use Bettis insetad of Zereoue.
--Browns 24, Saints 15--
Saints are slipping.
--Texans 16, Giants 14--
Talk about blowing a chance. The Giants had a chance to keep pace with the McNabb-less Philly and they lose to an expansion team.
--Cowboys 21, Jaguars 19--
Jags blew one too. This pretty much killed their playoff chances.
--Falcons 41, Panthers 0--
Carolina can only win in the summer. Falcons are damn dangerous.
--Seahawks 39, Chiefs 32--
This would be the "what?" game of the week. I thought KC had gotten good on defense.
--Ravens 13, Titans 12--
McNair had a lousy game. They still should make the playoffs.
Thanksgiving:
--Patriots 20, Lions 12--
Oooh, you big bad Pats. You struggle again to beat a horrible team. The Lions are pathetic. Pats may make the playoffs, but it'll be one and out.
--Cowboys 27, Redskins 20--
Oh yeah, Emmitt's done.
Skins' slim playoff hopes are gone.
Oooh, you big bad Pats. You struggle again to beat a horrible team. The Lions are pathetic. Pats may make the playoffs, but it'll be one and out.
--Cowboys 27, Redskins 20--
Oh yeah, Emmitt's done.
Skins' slim playoff hopes are gone.
WEEK 13:
Falcons 30
Vikings 24
OVERTIME
Michael Vick is amazing. This game was the first time I saw a whole game of his and I'm totally convinced that he is not only the league's MVP for this year, but he could be a all-time great sooner than later. The guy cannot be stopped. He doesn't even have any good offensive players to work with(Dunn is OK, but he was hurt). The 2 TD runs he made were unbelievable.
But since this is my weekly forum to lament the latest Viking screwups, let me switch to doing that.
OK, I lept up in excitement when they seemed to have won the game on a nifty trick pass from Moss to Daunte. Then it gets called back by a penalty that would not have happened if the coaches had a brain. An NFL head coach should know you need to report McKinnie eligible as a receiver. Tice, however, is barely better than Morhninweg. He's incompetent.
Coaching aside, this was one of their better played games of the year. Daunte had his usual turnovers, but at least he countered that with a few big plays. Bennett did pretty well for a guy with a bum ankle against a good defense. Moss had an excllent game. And really, the defense did OK. Vick torments everybody. At least they held him down as a passer.
But still, to go from an apparent win to a crushing loss in just a few minutes time is tough.
Vikings 24
OVERTIME
Michael Vick is amazing. This game was the first time I saw a whole game of his and I'm totally convinced that he is not only the league's MVP for this year, but he could be a all-time great sooner than later. The guy cannot be stopped. He doesn't even have any good offensive players to work with(Dunn is OK, but he was hurt). The 2 TD runs he made were unbelievable.
But since this is my weekly forum to lament the latest Viking screwups, let me switch to doing that.
OK, I lept up in excitement when they seemed to have won the game on a nifty trick pass from Moss to Daunte. Then it gets called back by a penalty that would not have happened if the coaches had a brain. An NFL head coach should know you need to report McKinnie eligible as a receiver. Tice, however, is barely better than Morhninweg. He's incompetent.
Coaching aside, this was one of their better played games of the year. Daunte had his usual turnovers, but at least he countered that with a few big plays. Bennett did pretty well for a guy with a bum ankle against a good defense. Moss had an excllent game. And really, the defense did OK. Vick torments everybody. At least they held him down as a passer.
But still, to go from an apparent win to a crushing loss in just a few minutes time is tough.
--WEEK 13 RECAP--
--Packers 30, Bears 20--
The Pack got their clinch, but they still seem in a funk. Better not assume victory over the Vikes next week.
--Bills 38, Dolphins 21--
OK, so all I had to do was bench Bledsoe to get him to play good? If they lay an egg against the Patsies next week I will be very pissed.
--Chargers 30, Broncos 27 OT--
I love how the Chargers have bucked the assumptions that they'd collapse. Denver's in some trouble now.
--Colts 19, Texans 3--
Why even kick a FG late to avoid a shutout? Isn't 3 even more embarassing?
--Eagles 10, Rams 3--
Warner should be fined for continually LYING about his hand, which has been hurt all year. Philly's D could be enough for them to go far.
--49ers 31, Seahawks 24--
Niners still seem shaky, but like the Pack have an easy clinch soon.
--Titans 32, Giants 29 OT--
Giants are finished. Titans are in if they win out.
--Chiefs 49, Cardinals 0--
Cards are worse than the Bengals.
--Panthers 13, Browns 6--
What an embarassment for Cleveland.
--Ravens 27, Bengals 23--
Somehow the Ravens aren't yet out of it.
--Steelers 25, Jaguars 23--
Kordell should stay the starter.
--Saints 23, Buccaneers 20--
Suddenly Tampa's in danger of losing home field, or even the division.
--Raiders 26, Jets 20--
Raiders won and didn't even play that good. Huge one next week against the Bolts.
WEEK 14:
Packers 26
Vikings 22
The Vikings are 3-10 now, but at least it can be said that progress is indeed noticeable. This was the best they've played on the road since their last road win 2 years ago.
Granted, they lost, but this was more of a situation where they were beaten, not that they beat themselves. Daunte was OK. Again there were fumbles, but at least they got both back. Bennett had yet another super game, and went over 1,000 yards. The defense made some plays too, only succumbing late to another batch of classic Favre plays. Blaming the officials is stupid. That was CLEARLY interference on the would-be INT.
As for the Packers, they better get their shit together and fast. They have basically played badly 4 straight games. They can't even convert short yard runs. The D got creamed by the Vikes running game. But Favre added to his legend with a tremendous 4th quarter rally. He zipped a pass downfield that ended up a TD. He drilled one into Driver, who made a superb catch just off the ground. And he made an Elway-like scramble for a first down on the winning drive.
Vikings 22
The Vikings are 3-10 now, but at least it can be said that progress is indeed noticeable. This was the best they've played on the road since their last road win 2 years ago.
Granted, they lost, but this was more of a situation where they were beaten, not that they beat themselves. Daunte was OK. Again there were fumbles, but at least they got both back. Bennett had yet another super game, and went over 1,000 yards. The defense made some plays too, only succumbing late to another batch of classic Favre plays. Blaming the officials is stupid. That was CLEARLY interference on the would-be INT.
As for the Packers, they better get their shit together and fast. They have basically played badly 4 straight games. They can't even convert short yard runs. The D got creamed by the Vikes running game. But Favre added to his legend with a tremendous 4th quarter rally. He zipped a pass downfield that ended up a TD. He drilled one into Driver, who made a superb catch just off the ground. And he made an Elway-like scramble for a first down on the winning drive.
WEEK 14 RECAP
~Buccaneers 34, Falcons 10~
If Tampa can score with that D, they'll get to the Super Bowl. They have Vick's #
~Patriots 27, Bills 17~
Gee, thanks Buffalo for doing everything possible to get the mediocre Pats back to the playoffs, i.e. beating Miami twice and putting forth 2 pathetic efforts aginst the Pats.
~Raiders 27, Chargers 7~
Raiders look unstoppable again. Gannon's gonna break Marino's yardage record.
~Titans 27, Colts 17~
Both teams should still make the playoffs.
~Jets 19, Broncos 13~
Denver's probably done.
~49ers 31, Cowboys 27~
Niners clinch a sorry division. SCREW FOX for cutting away from bonus coverage just as the Niners got to within 3.
~Giants 27, Redskins 21~
Giants still have no chance.
~Eagles 27, Seahawks 20~
Philly might not lose again til next season.
~Cardinals 23, Lions 20 OT~
Hooray, we get FIVE quarters of these 2 bum teams!
~Texans 24, Steelers 6~
A complete embarassment for the Steelers. Why in god's name didn't Kordell come in?
~Browns 21, Jaguars 20~
A hail mary miracle keeps them alive.
~Chiefs 49, Rams 10~
The Rams quit.
~Saints 37, Ravens 25~
So much for Brooks and Deuce being hurt. Ravens blow their last chance.
~Panthers 52, Bengals 31~
Only the Bengals could give up 52 to the Panthers.
~Buccaneers 34, Falcons 10~
If Tampa can score with that D, they'll get to the Super Bowl. They have Vick's #
~Patriots 27, Bills 17~
Gee, thanks Buffalo for doing everything possible to get the mediocre Pats back to the playoffs, i.e. beating Miami twice and putting forth 2 pathetic efforts aginst the Pats.
~Raiders 27, Chargers 7~
Raiders look unstoppable again. Gannon's gonna break Marino's yardage record.
~Titans 27, Colts 17~
Both teams should still make the playoffs.
~Jets 19, Broncos 13~
Denver's probably done.
~49ers 31, Cowboys 27~
Niners clinch a sorry division. SCREW FOX for cutting away from bonus coverage just as the Niners got to within 3.
~Giants 27, Redskins 21~
Giants still have no chance.
~Eagles 27, Seahawks 20~
Philly might not lose again til next season.
~Cardinals 23, Lions 20 OT~
Hooray, we get FIVE quarters of these 2 bum teams!
~Texans 24, Steelers 6~
A complete embarassment for the Steelers. Why in god's name didn't Kordell come in?
~Browns 21, Jaguars 20~
A hail mary miracle keeps them alive.
~Chiefs 49, Rams 10~
The Rams quit.
~Saints 37, Ravens 25~
So much for Brooks and Deuce being hurt. Ravens blow their last chance.
~Panthers 52, Bengals 31~
Only the Bengals could give up 52 to the Panthers.
WEEK 15:
Vikings 32
Saints 31
WOW!
Following this game I tried to compile a list of the most amazing Viking finishes(just the wins) that I've seen in 15 years of watching football. Eliminating games won with FGs(which just aren't quite as exciting), I only came up with 2 that compare to today. Both were in 1994. One was an OT game against the Bears where Cris Carter caught a pass and went about 60 yards, and the other was against the Saints oddly enough, where Qadry Ismail caught a pass from Warren Moon, then made a cut and dove into the endzone with seconds left to win.
This game really didn't mean that much but OMG! This may have been the single most exhilarating last second Viking victory I can remember.
What guts! Teams NEVER go for two in that situation. They should IMO, but they don't. But here it made perfect sense. The Culpepper sneak is gold, and it's not like the Vikes have had luck in OT this year. The call if it'd failed legitimately could've cost Tice his job, but with it working he's now earned major props.
Daunte nearly blew the try(I was in heart attack mode when he dropped the snap), but this was his finest game in 2 years. He was outstanding. Moss made some huge catches, including one where he was called for a bs interference(oh, and Jake Reed somehow DIDN'T push off?). Chamberlain came out of hiding. Bennett was quiet, but solid. The defense really did OK, until the last drive when they decided not to tackle. The goats were the special teams. The Saints got great returns almost every time, and Nick Davis came perilously close to fumbling away a punt.
It looked like it was gonna go south again. But they FINALLY pulled one out and FINALLY ended the road losing streak. Yeah, they're just 4-10, but this one win is enough to make the season.
Saints 31
WOW!
Following this game I tried to compile a list of the most amazing Viking finishes(just the wins) that I've seen in 15 years of watching football. Eliminating games won with FGs(which just aren't quite as exciting), I only came up with 2 that compare to today. Both were in 1994. One was an OT game against the Bears where Cris Carter caught a pass and went about 60 yards, and the other was against the Saints oddly enough, where Qadry Ismail caught a pass from Warren Moon, then made a cut and dove into the endzone with seconds left to win.
This game really didn't mean that much but OMG! This may have been the single most exhilarating last second Viking victory I can remember.
What guts! Teams NEVER go for two in that situation. They should IMO, but they don't. But here it made perfect sense. The Culpepper sneak is gold, and it's not like the Vikes have had luck in OT this year. The call if it'd failed legitimately could've cost Tice his job, but with it working he's now earned major props.
Daunte nearly blew the try(I was in heart attack mode when he dropped the snap), but this was his finest game in 2 years. He was outstanding. Moss made some huge catches, including one where he was called for a bs interference(oh, and Jake Reed somehow DIDN'T push off?). Chamberlain came out of hiding. Bennett was quiet, but solid. The defense really did OK, until the last drive when they decided not to tackle. The goats were the special teams. The Saints got great returns almost every time, and Nick Davis came perilously close to fumbling away a punt.
It looked like it was gonna go south again. But they FINALLY pulled one out and FINALLY ended the road losing streak. Yeah, they're just 4-10, but this one win is enough to make the season.
---WEEK 15 RECAP---
-Packers 20, 49ers 14-
A big win for the Pack. Looked like they were gonna blow it at the end. Niners are locked in as the #4 now.
-Dolphins 23, Raiders 17-
Miami needed this more. They've got a tough one against the Vikes on Saturday.
-Buccaneers 23, Lions 20-
Tampa nearly blew its shot at home field.
-Eagles 34, Redskins 21-
Philly just looks unstoppable right now.
-Bills 20, Chargers 13-
The Bills keep winning games I want them to lose and vice versa. Flutie almost got the Chargers the win.
-Bears 20, Jets 13-
Don't blame Chrebet. Any team with legit playoff hopes doesn't need to rally to beat the Bears.
-Rams 30, Cardinals 28-
Rams are mediocre no matter who the QB is.
-Broncos 31, Chiefs 24-
KC is done, Denver's back in it.
-Colts 28, Browns 23-
Browns blew it big time. Colts still look strong.
-Giants 37, Cowboys 7-
Somehow the Giants are still very alive. As for Dave Campo...
-Seahawks 30, Falcons 24 OT-
A very bad loss for the Falcons. They really have little besides Vick.
-Ravens 23, Texans 19-
Ravens hanging on by a thread. Carr's been sacked about 70 times now.
-Steelers 30, Panthers 14-
Pitt's still lookin shaky for the playoffs.
-Jaguars 29, Bengals 15-
Cincy's staring at 1-15
-Packers 20, 49ers 14-
A big win for the Pack. Looked like they were gonna blow it at the end. Niners are locked in as the #4 now.
-Dolphins 23, Raiders 17-
Miami needed this more. They've got a tough one against the Vikes on Saturday.
-Buccaneers 23, Lions 20-
Tampa nearly blew its shot at home field.
-Eagles 34, Redskins 21-
Philly just looks unstoppable right now.
-Bills 20, Chargers 13-
The Bills keep winning games I want them to lose and vice versa. Flutie almost got the Chargers the win.
-Bears 20, Jets 13-
Don't blame Chrebet. Any team with legit playoff hopes doesn't need to rally to beat the Bears.
-Rams 30, Cardinals 28-
Rams are mediocre no matter who the QB is.
-Broncos 31, Chiefs 24-
KC is done, Denver's back in it.
-Colts 28, Browns 23-
Browns blew it big time. Colts still look strong.
-Giants 37, Cowboys 7-
Somehow the Giants are still very alive. As for Dave Campo...
-Seahawks 30, Falcons 24 OT-
A very bad loss for the Falcons. They really have little besides Vick.
-Ravens 23, Texans 19-
Ravens hanging on by a thread. Carr's been sacked about 70 times now.
-Steelers 30, Panthers 14-
Pitt's still lookin shaky for the playoffs.
-Jaguars 29, Bengals 15-
Cincy's staring at 1-15
WEEK 16:
Vikings 20
Dolphins 17
Even though I want Miami to win their divison and thus deny the phantom champs a playoff berth, this game was great fun.
The Vikes didn't even play good, but they won anyway. Daunte was awful in the first half, as fumbleitis returned, but he was solid in the second half. Moss had a big game, backing up his questionable Pro Bowl selection. The defense played another good game, shutting down Ricky Williams.
Tice won with another gamble going for it on 4th down. I do hope he doesn't get cocky and ALWAYS take gambles at crucial times next year or beyond.
And then Gary Anderson hit a wobbler from 53 yards out. How that kick made it is a mystery(couldn't that have happened against Atlanta 4 years ago?). And then to see the stunned expression on CC's face was priceless.
This team is going places next season. Unless they totally screw up in the draft and free agency they're gonna be a real threat next year.
Other Saturday action:
--49ers 17, Cardinals 14
Niners in rest mode. I saw a sign that read "If this is the end Jake, thanks for the memories." What memories? They had one good season.
--Eagles 27, Cowboys 3
Campo is done. Parcells maybe? I can't see him and Jerry Jones co-existing at all.
Dolphins 17
Even though I want Miami to win their divison and thus deny the phantom champs a playoff berth, this game was great fun.
The Vikes didn't even play good, but they won anyway. Daunte was awful in the first half, as fumbleitis returned, but he was solid in the second half. Moss had a big game, backing up his questionable Pro Bowl selection. The defense played another good game, shutting down Ricky Williams.
Tice won with another gamble going for it on 4th down. I do hope he doesn't get cocky and ALWAYS take gambles at crucial times next year or beyond.
And then Gary Anderson hit a wobbler from 53 yards out. How that kick made it is a mystery(couldn't that have happened against Atlanta 4 years ago?). And then to see the stunned expression on CC's face was priceless.
This team is going places next season. Unless they totally screw up in the draft and free agency they're gonna be a real threat next year.
Other Saturday action:
--49ers 17, Cardinals 14
Niners in rest mode. I saw a sign that read "If this is the end Jake, thanks for the memories." What memories? They had one good season.
--Eagles 27, Cowboys 3
Campo is done. Parcells maybe? I can't see him and Jerry Jones co-existing at all.
Sunday games:
-Packers 10, Bills 0
It is amazing the Pack can play such great defense with the injuries they've had. Both QB's were cursed with bumbling receivers mostly.
--Bengals 20, Saints 13
The Saints are a team with no heart. I'm glad the Giants will make it in ahead of them.
--Jets 30, Patriots 17
GO JETS! The demise of the phantom champs is at hand! A Jet win next week and I believe the Pats are out no matter what!
--Giants 44, Colts 27
Colts lay an egg. If only NYG hadn't lost to the Texans. They'll be dangerous if they can play offense like this in the playoffs.
--Titans 28, Jaguars 10
Titans rock. They're the hottest team in the league.
--Browns 14, Ravens 13
Ravens are out. Browns really do have a shot. Again, if only Dwayne Rudd hadn't lost a game for em.
--Chiefs 24, Chargers 22
If not for the fumble the Bolts would've won. They still have a slim chance to make it.
--Raiders 28, Broncos 16
Brian Griese is finished. Oakland's in line for home field. And they might sign Deion now?
--Falcons 36, Lions 15
At least they took care of business.
--Panthers 24, Bears 14
--Redskins 26, Texans 10
--Seahawks 30, Rams 10
These meant nothing.
It is amazing the Pack can play such great defense with the injuries they've had. Both QB's were cursed with bumbling receivers mostly.
--Bengals 20, Saints 13
The Saints are a team with no heart. I'm glad the Giants will make it in ahead of them.
--Jets 30, Patriots 17
GO JETS! The demise of the phantom champs is at hand! A Jet win next week and I believe the Pats are out no matter what!
--Giants 44, Colts 27
Colts lay an egg. If only NYG hadn't lost to the Texans. They'll be dangerous if they can play offense like this in the playoffs.
--Titans 28, Jaguars 10
Titans rock. They're the hottest team in the league.
--Browns 14, Ravens 13
Ravens are out. Browns really do have a shot. Again, if only Dwayne Rudd hadn't lost a game for em.
--Chiefs 24, Chargers 22
If not for the fumble the Bolts would've won. They still have a slim chance to make it.
--Raiders 28, Broncos 16
Brian Griese is finished. Oakland's in line for home field. And they might sign Deion now?
--Falcons 36, Lions 15
At least they took care of business.
--Panthers 24, Bears 14
--Redskins 26, Texans 10
--Seahawks 30, Rams 10
These meant nothing.
WEEK 17:
VIKINGS 38
LIONS 36
6-10 wouldn't have seemed too good to me if I knew before the season they'd finish with that record, but they way things played out it makes me very anxious for next year.
This was a sloppy finale, but they've now won 2 straight on the road. Daunte was solid, Bennett just missed the rushing title, the D was actually alright. Two of the Lion TDs were on defense and special teams.
Both pissed me off. The Vikes D comes up HUGE, stopping Detroit 4 straight plays from the 1. So what do they do on their first play at the 1? Have Daunte drop back deep. He gets the ball knocked out and its recovered for a TD. Then a FG gets blocked and run back for a TD. And Tice inexplicably kicked the FG at the end w/o running off all the time he could. Conveniently the Lions got their TD with 13 seconds left. The 2 point play was never close though, and they won.
I can't wait for next season. The offense has become very good, the D has become solid enough. With another high draft pick and some cap money, this team will have no excuse for not making the playoffs next year.
LIONS 36
6-10 wouldn't have seemed too good to me if I knew before the season they'd finish with that record, but they way things played out it makes me very anxious for next year.
This was a sloppy finale, but they've now won 2 straight on the road. Daunte was solid, Bennett just missed the rushing title, the D was actually alright. Two of the Lion TDs were on defense and special teams.
Both pissed me off. The Vikes D comes up HUGE, stopping Detroit 4 straight plays from the 1. So what do they do on their first play at the 1? Have Daunte drop back deep. He gets the ball knocked out and its recovered for a TD. Then a FG gets blocked and run back for a TD. And Tice inexplicably kicked the FG at the end w/o running off all the time he could. Conveniently the Lions got their TD with 13 seconds left. The 2 point play was never close though, and they won.
I can't wait for next season. The offense has become very good, the D has become solid enough. With another high draft pick and some cap money, this team will have no excuse for not making the playoffs next year.
WEEK 17 RECAP
Games that mattered:
--Jets 42, Packers 17--
--Patriots 27, Dolphins 24 OT--
--Browns 24, Falcons 16--
--Titans 13, Texans 3--
--Panthers 10, Saints 6--
--Buccaneers 15, Bears 0--
--Colts 20, Jaguars 13--
--Giants 10, Eagles 7 OT--
--Raiders 24, Chiefs 0--
--Steelers 34, Ravens 31--
!!!!!!!!! J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! I can handle a Packer ass kicking if it is in the service of keeping the phantom champs from the playoffs! The Dolphins are LOSERS! They will always be losers. How the hell can you choke like that to a HORRIBLE team? And yes, all year long the Patriots were BAD. That 9-7 record was fraudulent. They should've lost to the Bears, the Dolphins and even the Vikings. Every time they played a legit team they were dominated. They beat the Steelers and Jets when both sucked. Now I don't have to see hotshot Tom Brady and his stupid ass grin til next fall! Go Jets! The Jets are SO good right now, I'm glad they made it. Glad Cleveland made it too. The Saints...my GOD...they're even bigger losers than Miami. How can Jim Haslett not be in danger of losing his job? Two straight years they've flat out choked in December. Atlanta at least lost to a good team. The Giants also earned it big time. Philly still got home field. Raiders got home field(though the AFC #1 seed almost never makes it).
Games that meant nothing:
--Seahawks 31, Chargers 28 OT--
--Broncos 37, Cardinals 7--
--Redskins 20, Cowboys 14--
--Bills 27, Bengals 9--
I wish the Chargers hadn't fallen apart. Emmitt fell short of 1,000. Bills would've made the playoffs if they hadn't choked twice against the phantom champs. Denver will always be average. Arizona sucks.
Games that mattered:
--Jets 42, Packers 17--
--Patriots 27, Dolphins 24 OT--
--Browns 24, Falcons 16--
--Titans 13, Texans 3--
--Panthers 10, Saints 6--
--Buccaneers 15, Bears 0--
--Colts 20, Jaguars 13--
--Giants 10, Eagles 7 OT--
--Raiders 24, Chiefs 0--
--Steelers 34, Ravens 31--
!!!!!!!!! J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! I can handle a Packer ass kicking if it is in the service of keeping the phantom champs from the playoffs! The Dolphins are LOSERS! They will always be losers. How the hell can you choke like that to a HORRIBLE team? And yes, all year long the Patriots were BAD. That 9-7 record was fraudulent. They should've lost to the Bears, the Dolphins and even the Vikings. Every time they played a legit team they were dominated. They beat the Steelers and Jets when both sucked. Now I don't have to see hotshot Tom Brady and his stupid ass grin til next fall! Go Jets! The Jets are SO good right now, I'm glad they made it. Glad Cleveland made it too. The Saints...my GOD...they're even bigger losers than Miami. How can Jim Haslett not be in danger of losing his job? Two straight years they've flat out choked in December. Atlanta at least lost to a good team. The Giants also earned it big time. Philly still got home field. Raiders got home field(though the AFC #1 seed almost never makes it).
Games that meant nothing:
--Seahawks 31, Chargers 28 OT--
--Broncos 37, Cardinals 7--
--Redskins 20, Cowboys 14--
--Bills 27, Bengals 9--
I wish the Chargers hadn't fallen apart. Emmitt fell short of 1,000. Bills would've made the playoffs if they hadn't choked twice against the phantom champs. Denver will always be average. Arizona sucks.
WILD CARD ROUND PICKS
Jets over Colts: I see this as pretty much the biggest lock of the round. The Jets are playing great, and are at home. Indy's kinda stumbling around, and they're a dome team going outdoors.
Packers over Falcons: Kinda hard to even root for the Pack, cuz a win sends them to certain defeat in Tampa. Vick isn't ready to win a playoff road game, especially not in freezing Lambeau. Pack have some injuries(what else is new?), but they should prevail.
Browns over Steelers: I picked Pitt for the Super Bowl at the start of the year, but I don't see it happening. They barely beat Cleveland the first two times this year, and now Cleveland can run. Pitt also let the Ravens score a lot on em.
Giants over 49ers: This looks like the most likely upset. The Niners haven't really tried the last few weeks, but they really weren't that great all year to begin with. The Giants meanwhile are on a roll, and the Niners can't stop anyone through the air. Kerry Collins will have a big day(he does have a pretty good playoff track record) and San Fran gets knocked off.
Jets over Colts: I see this as pretty much the biggest lock of the round. The Jets are playing great, and are at home. Indy's kinda stumbling around, and they're a dome team going outdoors.
Packers over Falcons: Kinda hard to even root for the Pack, cuz a win sends them to certain defeat in Tampa. Vick isn't ready to win a playoff road game, especially not in freezing Lambeau. Pack have some injuries(what else is new?), but they should prevail.
Browns over Steelers: I picked Pitt for the Super Bowl at the start of the year, but I don't see it happening. They barely beat Cleveland the first two times this year, and now Cleveland can run. Pitt also let the Ravens score a lot on em.
Giants over 49ers: This looks like the most likely upset. The Niners haven't really tried the last few weeks, but they really weren't that great all year to begin with. The Giants meanwhile are on a roll, and the Niners can't stop anyone through the air. Kerry Collins will have a big day(he does have a pretty good playoff track record) and San Fran gets knocked off.
Wild Card Playoffs:
FALCONS 27, PACKERS 7
This exposed the worst kept secret in football. The Pack were not nearly as good as their record. How could they be with the insane # of injuries they've had? I've never seen a team more crushed by injuries. Even tonight they lose Driver, Gilbert Brown, Ahman Green and didn't have Sharper. It says a lot about Sherman and Favre that they got this MASH unit to 12-4. I heard that instead of talking to the media, Favre is gonna release a statement on Monday. I hope this doesn't mean retirement. This team is still capable of winning a Super Bowl if healthy, and you'd have to think they'd have fewer injuries next year.
As for Atlanta, they really can beat anybody. Philly should be very afraid of Vick, though their defense is much better than the Pack's. Even Dunn did good.
JETS 41, COLTS 0
Jeez, what kind of lame franchise loses a playoff game in NYC 41-0? Uh, never mind. The Jets look unbeatable right now. Indy was never in the game at all. Manning was awful, James was awful. Their defense couldn't stop Pennington(though who can?). The Titans and Raiders should be scared to death about having to play this team right now. And no, they aren't this year's Patriots. The Jets would beat last year's Patsies by 5 touchdowns.
STEELERS 36, BROWNS 33
LIke most, I had this one over at 24-7. The Steelers were being chewed up by Kelly Holcomb, and Maddox wasn't doing much. This comeback was stunning. The stunning part was the fact that the Browns didn't just keep throwing. They tried to run, which they couldn't. And then Maddox was just on fire the whole 4th quarter. Amazing. And I don't blame the Brown WR for not getting out of bounds. The ball shouldn't have been thrown in bounds. A great comeback though, and certainly the following game wouldn't be this good.
49ERS 39, GIANTS 38
Uh, scratch that. OMFG as they say. OMFG! Giants up 38-14 in the 3rd. They're carving up the Niners D and the D is stopping the Niner running game. I figured the 4th down failure was the dagger. But Jeff Garcia(whose jersey I rocked with great pride today) led the most amazing comeback since the Buffalo-Houston game in 93. The amazing thing is they got the two point plays after the TDs. And then the Giants suddenly couldn't do anything. Garcia hit everything spot on. Owens proved conclusively he's the best WR in football, though he almost blew it with personal fouls that Shaun "Dunce" Williams offset both times. The FG muff at the end was a mess and Frisco won it! Best of all is that Jeremy Shockey must shut up now.
This exposed the worst kept secret in football. The Pack were not nearly as good as their record. How could they be with the insane # of injuries they've had? I've never seen a team more crushed by injuries. Even tonight they lose Driver, Gilbert Brown, Ahman Green and didn't have Sharper. It says a lot about Sherman and Favre that they got this MASH unit to 12-4. I heard that instead of talking to the media, Favre is gonna release a statement on Monday. I hope this doesn't mean retirement. This team is still capable of winning a Super Bowl if healthy, and you'd have to think they'd have fewer injuries next year.
As for Atlanta, they really can beat anybody. Philly should be very afraid of Vick, though their defense is much better than the Pack's. Even Dunn did good.
JETS 41, COLTS 0
Jeez, what kind of lame franchise loses a playoff game in NYC 41-0? Uh, never mind. The Jets look unbeatable right now. Indy was never in the game at all. Manning was awful, James was awful. Their defense couldn't stop Pennington(though who can?). The Titans and Raiders should be scared to death about having to play this team right now. And no, they aren't this year's Patriots. The Jets would beat last year's Patsies by 5 touchdowns.
STEELERS 36, BROWNS 33
LIke most, I had this one over at 24-7. The Steelers were being chewed up by Kelly Holcomb, and Maddox wasn't doing much. This comeback was stunning. The stunning part was the fact that the Browns didn't just keep throwing. They tried to run, which they couldn't. And then Maddox was just on fire the whole 4th quarter. Amazing. And I don't blame the Brown WR for not getting out of bounds. The ball shouldn't have been thrown in bounds. A great comeback though, and certainly the following game wouldn't be this good.
49ERS 39, GIANTS 38
Uh, scratch that. OMFG as they say. OMFG! Giants up 38-14 in the 3rd. They're carving up the Niners D and the D is stopping the Niner running game. I figured the 4th down failure was the dagger. But Jeff Garcia(whose jersey I rocked with great pride today) led the most amazing comeback since the Buffalo-Houston game in 93. The amazing thing is they got the two point plays after the TDs. And then the Giants suddenly couldn't do anything. Garcia hit everything spot on. Owens proved conclusively he's the best WR in football, though he almost blew it with personal fouls that Shaun "Dunce" Williams offset both times. The FG muff at the end was a mess and Frisco won it! Best of all is that Jeremy Shockey must shut up now.
Divisional round picks:
Titans over Steelers: McNair chews up the Steeler pass D, and the Titans are experienced and won't blow it like the Browns did.
Eagles over Falcons:
Yeah, Vick beat GB, but GB clearly wasn't there. Philly is on a mission, and their D can contain Vick enough. Unless McNabb's return is a total failure, the Eagles prevail.
Buccaneers over 49ers:
As far as I know, Brad Johnson will start, and he should be able to get some on the Niner D. Tampa is also on a mission. Garcia will need an even better game than last week to spring the upset. However, he'll be able to do just enough to keep it close.
Raiders over Jets:
With respect to the Titans and Steelers, THIS is the AFC Championship. The Jets are hot, but keep in mind the Colts were pathetic last week. Oakland is another team on a mission after getting screwed in New England last year. This'll be a shootout for sure, something like 34-31, with Oakland prevailing.
But what are the odds that all 4 home teams win?
Eagles over Falcons:
Yeah, Vick beat GB, but GB clearly wasn't there. Philly is on a mission, and their D can contain Vick enough. Unless McNabb's return is a total failure, the Eagles prevail.
Buccaneers over 49ers:
As far as I know, Brad Johnson will start, and he should be able to get some on the Niner D. Tampa is also on a mission. Garcia will need an even better game than last week to spring the upset. However, he'll be able to do just enough to keep it close.
Raiders over Jets:
With respect to the Titans and Steelers, THIS is the AFC Championship. The Jets are hot, but keep in mind the Colts were pathetic last week. Oakland is another team on a mission after getting screwed in New England last year. This'll be a shootout for sure, something like 34-31, with Oakland prevailing.
But what are the odds that all 4 home teams win?
Divisional Playoffs:
TITANS 34, STEELERS 31--OT
Another controversial finish. However, let's be real. Nedney WAS run into, and quite obviously in fact. And the timeout attempt that Cowher got so pissed about came far too late. As for the game itself, Pittsburgh actually played the better game, and they should've won. Maddox was great again, and the Titans were sloppy after a dominating start. But McNair made some big plays and pulled it out.
EAGLES 20, FALCONS 6
Vick will get multiple Super Bowls down the line, but this ain't his time. This is supposed to be Philly's year, but they better hope they play a helluva lot better next week. They were rather awful tonight. They couldn't run, or put together drives. They dropped many passes. They missed countless tackles. If the Falcons weren't so sloppy themselves the Eagles would not have won. But McNabb was solid, and should be even sharper next week.
BUCCANEERS 31, 49ERS 6
Even the Vikings have never played THIS bad in Tampa. The Niners were embarrassing in this game. All Garcia did was dance around in the pocket. Owens was shit. They didn't try to run. And that D of theirs is awful. Injuries or not, no NFL player should be so incapable of playing. As for Tampa, they'll give Philly a game, but they are gonna think they can do this same thing at the Vet. But Philly has a defense, and the home crowd.
RAIDERS 30, JETS 10
Probably the most impressive half of the playoffs was Oakland's 2nd half. They stopped Pennington completely, and once they started throwing regularly they couldn't be stopped. And this was more of a deal where the Raiders just beat the Jets, not like the Jets were awful. Oakland's in great shape to get to the Super Bowl finally.
Another controversial finish. However, let's be real. Nedney WAS run into, and quite obviously in fact. And the timeout attempt that Cowher got so pissed about came far too late. As for the game itself, Pittsburgh actually played the better game, and they should've won. Maddox was great again, and the Titans were sloppy after a dominating start. But McNair made some big plays and pulled it out.
EAGLES 20, FALCONS 6
Vick will get multiple Super Bowls down the line, but this ain't his time. This is supposed to be Philly's year, but they better hope they play a helluva lot better next week. They were rather awful tonight. They couldn't run, or put together drives. They dropped many passes. They missed countless tackles. If the Falcons weren't so sloppy themselves the Eagles would not have won. But McNabb was solid, and should be even sharper next week.
BUCCANEERS 31, 49ERS 6
Even the Vikings have never played THIS bad in Tampa. The Niners were embarrassing in this game. All Garcia did was dance around in the pocket. Owens was shit. They didn't try to run. And that D of theirs is awful. Injuries or not, no NFL player should be so incapable of playing. As for Tampa, they'll give Philly a game, but they are gonna think they can do this same thing at the Vet. But Philly has a defense, and the home crowd.
RAIDERS 30, JETS 10
Probably the most impressive half of the playoffs was Oakland's 2nd half. They stopped Pennington completely, and once they started throwing regularly they couldn't be stopped. And this was more of a deal where the Raiders just beat the Jets, not like the Jets were awful. Oakland's in great shape to get to the Super Bowl finally.
Championship Game Picks:
NFC: Tampa sure is talking a lot of shit for a team who's never won a road playoff game, never won a game in the cold of any consequence(only having beaten the Henry Burris-led Bears, and even then not getting a single TD), and has been thoroughly dominated every time against Philly. That said, both D's are pretty even. This will certainly be a low scoring game. I'd be surprised if either team got into the 20's. The QB matchup goes to Philly. Brad's not gonna have the abysmal Niner secondary to pick on this week. Staley is a much better runner than Pittman. And Brian Mitchell gives Philly a big edge on special teams. If Tampa wins, they will certainly have earned it, but Philly is simply the better team, and they're at home in the last ever game at the Vet. Eagles 16-13.
AFC: This one should also be close, though I have no real hesitation in picking Oakland. McNair's gonna make plays, but they'll need Eddie George to have a big game, which I don't think he can do. Maddox tore up the Titans last week, so Gannon should have a big day. And they won't shun the pass early like they did last week. Tennessee will hang around, but Oakland is simply too good. Raiders 27-20.
NFC: Tampa sure is talking a lot of shit for a team who's never won a road playoff game, never won a game in the cold of any consequence(only having beaten the Henry Burris-led Bears, and even then not getting a single TD), and has been thoroughly dominated every time against Philly. That said, both D's are pretty even. This will certainly be a low scoring game. I'd be surprised if either team got into the 20's. The QB matchup goes to Philly. Brad's not gonna have the abysmal Niner secondary to pick on this week. Staley is a much better runner than Pittman. And Brian Mitchell gives Philly a big edge on special teams. If Tampa wins, they will certainly have earned it, but Philly is simply the better team, and they're at home in the last ever game at the Vet. Eagles 16-13.
AFC: This one should also be close, though I have no real hesitation in picking Oakland. McNair's gonna make plays, but they'll need Eddie George to have a big game, which I don't think he can do. Maddox tore up the Titans last week, so Gannon should have a big day. And they won't shun the pass early like they did last week. Tennessee will hang around, but Oakland is simply too good. Raiders 27-20.
Conference Championships:
BUCCANEERS 27, EAGLES 10
To quote Denzel in Antwone Fisher: "You're the champ, son. You've beaten everybody that's beaten you." Tampa buried all their demons(never having won a road playoff game, never winning a game of any consequence in the cold, never reaching a Super Bowl, and never winning in their recent trips to Philly), and flat out smoked the soft Eagles. I saw this same thing last week against Atlanta. They were soft, and Tampa destroyed them for it. This game was OVER when Tampa got up 17-10, maybe even sooner. Philly couldn't do anything. McNabb, Staley and the recevers were big nothings. I lost count at how many dropped passes they had. And Tampa dominated on offense too. Brad Johnson did everything he wanted to. Why Philly let him do this I'll never know. Gruden cemented his genius. He out-coached Reid completely. I actually thought the comeback could happen, but Barber's INT TD was a killer. It looks like the Eagles are one of those teams that will always lose when it matters most.
RAIDERS 41, TITANS 24
Looked like another upset, but those 2 turnovers killed the Titans. I was worried that dropped TD by Porter would haunt them, but again they dominated in the 2nd half. Gannon was flawless. McNair made some big plays too, and you gotta respect the Titans for their toughness. I'm so glad for Rich Gannon and Tim Brown that they made it to the Super Bowl.
To quote Denzel in Antwone Fisher: "You're the champ, son. You've beaten everybody that's beaten you." Tampa buried all their demons(never having won a road playoff game, never winning a game of any consequence in the cold, never reaching a Super Bowl, and never winning in their recent trips to Philly), and flat out smoked the soft Eagles. I saw this same thing last week against Atlanta. They were soft, and Tampa destroyed them for it. This game was OVER when Tampa got up 17-10, maybe even sooner. Philly couldn't do anything. McNabb, Staley and the recevers were big nothings. I lost count at how many dropped passes they had. And Tampa dominated on offense too. Brad Johnson did everything he wanted to. Why Philly let him do this I'll never know. Gruden cemented his genius. He out-coached Reid completely. I actually thought the comeback could happen, but Barber's INT TD was a killer. It looks like the Eagles are one of those teams that will always lose when it matters most.
RAIDERS 41, TITANS 24
Looked like another upset, but those 2 turnovers killed the Titans. I was worried that dropped TD by Porter would haunt them, but again they dominated in the 2nd half. Gannon was flawless. McNair made some big plays too, and you gotta respect the Titans for their toughness. I'm so glad for Rich Gannon and Tim Brown that they made it to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl pick:
Buccaneers 23-16
SUPER BOWL 37:
BUCCANEERS 48
RAIDERS 21
A dominating defense can be interesting to watch, but it sure doesn't make for enjoyable super bowls. Tampa had this game clinched well before halftime.
Nothing in this game surprised me. Tampa's D is great, though Sapp is wrong if he thinks they're as good as the Steel Curtain or the 85 Bears. The way they just destroy these great QBs is amazing. In one game, Rich Gannon went from league MVP to washout. FIVE picks? Aside from a couple TD throws long after Tampa had stopped going full throttle, he did absolutely nothing. Garner never really got a chance to run. The D wore out fast, and why not? I bet the Raiders set a super bowl record for three and outs. Hell, if Woodson hadn't taken that first pick back a little, they wouldn't have even gotten that first FG. Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, two of the all time greats, were barely even there. When the game was still in some doubt, this was the most dominating defensive performance I think I've ever seen, and certainly in a super bowl. The Ravens faced a far inferior Giant offense.
Gruden clearly knew the Raiders in and out. They even had that soundbite of John Lynch saying that everything Oakland ran was done in practice. Callahan was therefore screwed from the start. And, though I rooted for Oakland, I knew it was over very quickly. Maybe if that blocked punt had come earlier, they'd have had a shot, but probably not. Tampa made every play that mattered.
I'm glad for Brad Johnson, and Alstott, and even Gruden. Sapp talks shit, as does Keyshawn, but they flat out earned this. After last year's hollow Patriot win, it's just nice to have a real champion this year. And Tampa is primed to repeat next year, cuz the offense is gonna be even better, and as far as I know all the main defensive guys are signed.
Oakland's chance is now gone. I feel real bad for Gannon, and especially Tim Brown. And if I were Barret Robins, I'd go to Al Davis and beg for him to release me, cuz I don't ever wanna face the team I helped fuck over ever again. They'd have lost anyway. The cap kills this team now, and I'd be surprised if they even make the playoffs next year.
A great NFL season, but a dud super bowl. But I guess if we don't have bad ones, we can't appreciate the great ones.
RAIDERS 21
A dominating defense can be interesting to watch, but it sure doesn't make for enjoyable super bowls. Tampa had this game clinched well before halftime.
Nothing in this game surprised me. Tampa's D is great, though Sapp is wrong if he thinks they're as good as the Steel Curtain or the 85 Bears. The way they just destroy these great QBs is amazing. In one game, Rich Gannon went from league MVP to washout. FIVE picks? Aside from a couple TD throws long after Tampa had stopped going full throttle, he did absolutely nothing. Garner never really got a chance to run. The D wore out fast, and why not? I bet the Raiders set a super bowl record for three and outs. Hell, if Woodson hadn't taken that first pick back a little, they wouldn't have even gotten that first FG. Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, two of the all time greats, were barely even there. When the game was still in some doubt, this was the most dominating defensive performance I think I've ever seen, and certainly in a super bowl. The Ravens faced a far inferior Giant offense.
Gruden clearly knew the Raiders in and out. They even had that soundbite of John Lynch saying that everything Oakland ran was done in practice. Callahan was therefore screwed from the start. And, though I rooted for Oakland, I knew it was over very quickly. Maybe if that blocked punt had come earlier, they'd have had a shot, but probably not. Tampa made every play that mattered.
I'm glad for Brad Johnson, and Alstott, and even Gruden. Sapp talks shit, as does Keyshawn, but they flat out earned this. After last year's hollow Patriot win, it's just nice to have a real champion this year. And Tampa is primed to repeat next year, cuz the offense is gonna be even better, and as far as I know all the main defensive guys are signed.
Oakland's chance is now gone. I feel real bad for Gannon, and especially Tim Brown. And if I were Barret Robins, I'd go to Al Davis and beg for him to release me, cuz I don't ever wanna face the team I helped fuck over ever again. They'd have lost anyway. The cap kills this team now, and I'd be surprised if they even make the playoffs next year.
A great NFL season, but a dud super bowl. But I guess if we don't have bad ones, we can't appreciate the great ones.
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