Message Board Classics: 2004 NFL Season
Preseason kickoff post (and other posts):
Oh yes, it IS that time again. Training camps are open. The first preseason games are less than a week away. Players are already being idiots. It's the best time of the sports year.
It is not yet the time for predictions, but I'll hit on some of the big recent stories.
Ricky Williams retires. Well, we know now he did so cuz he was gonna be suspended for using marijuana. He's a little shit as far as I'm concerned. You do not abandon your team when he did. He had every right to retire, but do it at least before the draft. He's left the Dolphins with zero chance of making the playoffs. They couldn't go get Eddie George or Antowain Smith, nor could they draft a RB.
The Cowboys cut Quincy Carter. I spent all offseason pleading with Dallas to go get a QB like Warner or Collins or Garcia. Instead they fail to upgrade, and now take a step back. Vinny is 80 years old and has little if anything left. My prediction is that Drew Henson will never be any good. Dallas just fell out of playoff contention as far as I'm concerned.
The Raiders cut Tim Brown. I'd like to see him go to either Philly (try teaching T.O. some class), Baltimore (their passing game needs all the help it can get) or Atlanta (they need someone opposite Peerless).
It is not yet the time for predictions, but I'll hit on some of the big recent stories.
Ricky Williams retires. Well, we know now he did so cuz he was gonna be suspended for using marijuana. He's a little shit as far as I'm concerned. You do not abandon your team when he did. He had every right to retire, but do it at least before the draft. He's left the Dolphins with zero chance of making the playoffs. They couldn't go get Eddie George or Antowain Smith, nor could they draft a RB.
The Cowboys cut Quincy Carter. I spent all offseason pleading with Dallas to go get a QB like Warner or Collins or Garcia. Instead they fail to upgrade, and now take a step back. Vinny is 80 years old and has little if anything left. My prediction is that Drew Henson will never be any good. Dallas just fell out of playoff contention as far as I'm concerned.
The Raiders cut Tim Brown. I'd like to see him go to either Philly (try teaching T.O. some class), Baltimore (their passing game needs all the help it can get) or Atlanta (they need someone opposite Peerless).
I doubt this Eagle team will be the one to finally make it. Owens will hurt more than help probably. But they're certainly one of the favorites.
The Patriots aren't invincible, for two reasons. One, they were finally exposed in the Super Bowl as being not nearly as good as hyped when not at home and in the cold and snow. Two, they aren't gonna be able to cheat and maul receivers anymore w/o getting a penalty called. Plus, the AFC might be even stronger this year.
The Patriots aren't invincible, for two reasons. One, they were finally exposed in the Super Bowl as being not nearly as good as hyped when not at home and in the cold and snow. Two, they aren't gonna be able to cheat and maul receivers anymore w/o getting a penalty called. Plus, the AFC might be even stronger this year.
David Boston is out for the season. The Chargers should have been so lucky. This guy's a quitter anyway.
My pick for the HOF game? Skins. I'm eagerly awaiting next Saturday when Denny returns to the dome. It was suggested that the first time the Cards go on offense, everyone in the crowd should drop to one knee, in honor of Denny's most infamous coaching moment.
My pick for the HOF game? Skins. I'm eagerly awaiting next Saturday when Denny returns to the dome. It was suggested that the first time the Cards go on offense, everyone in the crowd should drop to one knee, in honor of Denny's most infamous coaching moment.
The Iggles got blasted tonight. I really hope the Patriots get what's coming to them this year. Tom Brady is overrated and soft. The defense is WAY overrated. Take away an all-time choke by John Kasay and they probably don't even win the super bowl.
Vikings vs Denny Green tomorrow.
Vikings vs Denny Green tomorrow.
Vikings preseason opener:
OK, onto the games. The Vikings preseason opener was a dull game even by preseason standards. But all I wanted was a strong showing by the defense, and I got it. Dontarrious Thomas especially was great. Lesnar only played a little. He won't make the practice squad. Sure he's a wrestler, but he's tiny. The running game didn't do much with Birk out, but Mewelde Moore looks to be another good RB. The Vikes are becoming the new Broncos with all these good running backs.
Vikings preseason game 2:
The Vikings lost to Atlanta, but forget that. The starters dominated. The new illegal contact rule is clearly gonna lead to Moss finest season yet. Even though Onterrio Smith is gonna be suspended for 4 games, Mewelde Moore gives them new depth at RB. The new defense will be one of the very best in the NFC this year.
And the NFC looks more wide open with each passing day. Dallas no longer has a QB. The Eagles just lost Buckhalter for the year. The Skins lost a starting lineman. And the Falcons new west coast offense is awful. Vick is totally wrong for that system, and Mora is gonna kill his career.
And the NFC looks more wide open with each passing day. Dallas no longer has a QB. The Eagles just lost Buckhalter for the year. The Skins lost a starting lineman. And the Falcons new west coast offense is awful. Vick is totally wrong for that system, and Mora is gonna kill his career.
Vikings preseason game #3:
Once again, the Vikings starters(especially on defense) dominated, and they beat the Niners.
I'm loving this defense. Sure this is preseason, but the first team has been almost perfect. Udeze could be defensive rookie of the year(probably either him or Sean Taylor). Nate Burleson is the clear #2 WR now, ahead of Robinson. Daunte was SICK.
Only real downside was the injuries to Bennett and McKinnie. Hopefully neither is too bad, especially McKinnie.
I'm loving this defense. Sure this is preseason, but the first team has been almost perfect. Udeze could be defensive rookie of the year(probably either him or Sean Taylor). Nate Burleson is the clear #2 WR now, ahead of Robinson. Daunte was SICK.
Only real downside was the injuries to Bennett and McKinnie. Hopefully neither is too bad, especially McKinnie.
Season Predictions (yeah, I went there):
Here are my long-awaited predictions for the season:
NFC EAST
1--Eagles (12-4)--Once again they are clearly the class of this division. T.O. will alienate the whole team, but he'll produce just enough so that McNabb won't slug him.
2--Cowboys (9-7)--I think they aren't even a 9-7 team, but last year proved to me that Parcells must always be trusted. Even with Vinny they will be a playoff contender.
3--Redskins (8-8) --Adding Portis is huge, and Brunell is a good bet to be comeback player of the year. Sean Taylor could be rookie of the year too, but the Skins always seem to be less than the sum of their parts.
4--Giants (5-11)--I'd be shocked if they don't finish last. Warner or Manning, it doesn't matter.
NFC NORTH
1--Vikings (12-4)--Once again the offense is gonna be ridiculously good. Assuming the defense is as improved as it appears to be, there will be no stopping this team.
2--Packers (9-7)--Favre and Green assure them of being in the playoff hunt, but that defense of theirs is awful and prevents them from being a super bowl contender.
3--Lions (7-9)--I can't pick em for the playoffs, not a team w/o a road win in 3 years. Plus we don't know yet if Harrington is good. They'll be a fun team to watch though.
4--Bears (4-12)--They've got very little here. If Lovie squeezes every drop out of em that the unfairly dismissed Jauron did, they could flirt with 8-8.
NFC SOUTH
1--Panthers (11-5)--Why no respect for a team that was one John Kasay fuck up from maybe winning the super bowl? This team has a tougher schedule this time around, but they were improving at the end of the year, and I expect that to continue. Delhomme IS the new Favre.
2--Buccaneers (10-6)--I also think people are really sleeping on the Bucs. Yeah they've lost some of their guys, but that D is still pretty good, and the offense will be much better with Garner and a healthy Alstott.
3--Saints (8-8) --How will this talented team fail to reach expectations this year?
4--Falcons (5-11)--Yeah, it was just preseason, but Vick looks lost in this system. The defense won't be good. Vick is MVP if they manage to make the playoffs.
NFC WEST
1--Seahawks (11-5)--I don't buy the super bowl talk, cuz that D is still shaky, and they did not win a road game of any diffculty all last year. But they are at least AS good as last year.
2--Rams (9-7)--Bulger won't flop, but Faulk is bound to get banged up again, and their D is average.
3--Cardinals (3-13)--Denny will suffer in year one. At least when he came to the Vikes they already had proven talent.
4--49ers (3-13)--The D is ok, but aside from Barlow the offense has nothing.
Playoff seeds:
1-Eagles
2-Vikings
3-Seahawks
4-Panthers
5-Buccaneers
6-Packers
Wild Card Round:
Seahawks over Packers
Panthers over Buccaneers
Divisional Playoffs:
Panthers over Eagles
Vikings over Seahawks
NFC Championship:
Vikings over Panthers
AFC EAST
1--Patriots (11-5)--Alas, they are better than last year, with Dillon. BUT, their d-backs can't cheat anymore, and maybe for once Tom Brady will actually get hit. Plus, the super bowl exposed their fraudulent defense. The Pats had it ridiculously easy last year. Not this year. I forbid it. But the rest of the division is inferior.
2--Bills (9-7)--Last year's biggest disappointment. Mularkey should get the offense clicking, and the D is pretty good.
3--Jets (8-8) --Good parts here and there, but not a real strong D and Curtis Martin may be about done.
5--Dolphins (5-11)--Sadly, the schedule was in their favor for this year, but they have no running game now, and neither QB is good enough to compensate.
AFC NORTH
1--Ravens (11-5)--Jamal Lewis' trial could cost em a game or two, and Boller is still unproven, but their D remains the best since the 85 Bears. If Boller is just solid, they become the best team in the AFC.
2--Bengals (7-9)--Palmer could possibly have a first year like Culpepper did, but odds are he'll just be ok at first, and the team takes a step back.
3--Steelers (7-9)--Staley will help, but Maddox appears to be a fluke, and the D is far from special.
4--Browns (4-12)--Garcia's gonna get demolished.
AFC SOUTH
1--Colts (13-3)--They really didn't improve the D, but Manning, Marvin and Edge will again destroy defenses. They need to be on a mission for home field.
2--Jaguars (9-7)--I believe in Leftwich, and that defense is lookin really good. If Fred Taylor stays healthy, they could be very good.
3--Titans (9-7)--I think they are due for a step back. But McNair will keep them in contention.
4--Texans (6-10)--I still don't think they have much on offense, but the D is solid. If Carr makes a big jump up, they could have a winning season.
AFC WEST
1--Broncos (11-5)--Griffin won't be Portis, but he'll be good, and does anyone remember how good this team was with a healthy Plummer? They'd have won 12 or 13 last year if he hadn't been hurt.
2--Chiefs (11-5)--Of course the offense will run it up again, but the lack of attention to improving the D will prove costly.
3--Raiders (7-9)--If Gannon is half of what he was 2 years ago, they'll be alright.
4--Chargers (2-14)--Marty's last year ain't gonna be pretty.
Playoff Seeds:
1-Colts
2-Patriots
3-Ravens
4-Broncos
5-Chiefs
6-Bills
Wild Card Round:
Ravens over Bills
Broncos over Chiefs
Divisional Playoffs:
Colts over Broncos
Ravens over Patriots(Ray Lewis breaks pretty boy's leg)
AFC Championship:
Ravens over Colts
SUPER BOWL XXXIX
Vikings over Ravens
Because offense does sometimes win championships!
NFC EAST
1--Eagles (12-4)--Once again they are clearly the class of this division. T.O. will alienate the whole team, but he'll produce just enough so that McNabb won't slug him.
2--Cowboys (9-7)--I think they aren't even a 9-7 team, but last year proved to me that Parcells must always be trusted. Even with Vinny they will be a playoff contender.
3--Redskins (8-8) --Adding Portis is huge, and Brunell is a good bet to be comeback player of the year. Sean Taylor could be rookie of the year too, but the Skins always seem to be less than the sum of their parts.
4--Giants (5-11)--I'd be shocked if they don't finish last. Warner or Manning, it doesn't matter.
NFC NORTH
1--Vikings (12-4)--Once again the offense is gonna be ridiculously good. Assuming the defense is as improved as it appears to be, there will be no stopping this team.
2--Packers (9-7)--Favre and Green assure them of being in the playoff hunt, but that defense of theirs is awful and prevents them from being a super bowl contender.
3--Lions (7-9)--I can't pick em for the playoffs, not a team w/o a road win in 3 years. Plus we don't know yet if Harrington is good. They'll be a fun team to watch though.
4--Bears (4-12)--They've got very little here. If Lovie squeezes every drop out of em that the unfairly dismissed Jauron did, they could flirt with 8-8.
NFC SOUTH
1--Panthers (11-5)--Why no respect for a team that was one John Kasay fuck up from maybe winning the super bowl? This team has a tougher schedule this time around, but they were improving at the end of the year, and I expect that to continue. Delhomme IS the new Favre.
2--Buccaneers (10-6)--I also think people are really sleeping on the Bucs. Yeah they've lost some of their guys, but that D is still pretty good, and the offense will be much better with Garner and a healthy Alstott.
3--Saints (8-8) --How will this talented team fail to reach expectations this year?
4--Falcons (5-11)--Yeah, it was just preseason, but Vick looks lost in this system. The defense won't be good. Vick is MVP if they manage to make the playoffs.
NFC WEST
1--Seahawks (11-5)--I don't buy the super bowl talk, cuz that D is still shaky, and they did not win a road game of any diffculty all last year. But they are at least AS good as last year.
2--Rams (9-7)--Bulger won't flop, but Faulk is bound to get banged up again, and their D is average.
3--Cardinals (3-13)--Denny will suffer in year one. At least when he came to the Vikes they already had proven talent.
4--49ers (3-13)--The D is ok, but aside from Barlow the offense has nothing.
Playoff seeds:
1-Eagles
2-Vikings
3-Seahawks
4-Panthers
5-Buccaneers
6-Packers
Wild Card Round:
Seahawks over Packers
Panthers over Buccaneers
Divisional Playoffs:
Panthers over Eagles
Vikings over Seahawks
NFC Championship:
Vikings over Panthers
AFC EAST
1--Patriots (11-5)--Alas, they are better than last year, with Dillon. BUT, their d-backs can't cheat anymore, and maybe for once Tom Brady will actually get hit. Plus, the super bowl exposed their fraudulent defense. The Pats had it ridiculously easy last year. Not this year. I forbid it. But the rest of the division is inferior.
2--Bills (9-7)--Last year's biggest disappointment. Mularkey should get the offense clicking, and the D is pretty good.
3--Jets (8-8) --Good parts here and there, but not a real strong D and Curtis Martin may be about done.
5--Dolphins (5-11)--Sadly, the schedule was in their favor for this year, but they have no running game now, and neither QB is good enough to compensate.
AFC NORTH
1--Ravens (11-5)--Jamal Lewis' trial could cost em a game or two, and Boller is still unproven, but their D remains the best since the 85 Bears. If Boller is just solid, they become the best team in the AFC.
2--Bengals (7-9)--Palmer could possibly have a first year like Culpepper did, but odds are he'll just be ok at first, and the team takes a step back.
3--Steelers (7-9)--Staley will help, but Maddox appears to be a fluke, and the D is far from special.
4--Browns (4-12)--Garcia's gonna get demolished.
AFC SOUTH
1--Colts (13-3)--They really didn't improve the D, but Manning, Marvin and Edge will again destroy defenses. They need to be on a mission for home field.
2--Jaguars (9-7)--I believe in Leftwich, and that defense is lookin really good. If Fred Taylor stays healthy, they could be very good.
3--Titans (9-7)--I think they are due for a step back. But McNair will keep them in contention.
4--Texans (6-10)--I still don't think they have much on offense, but the D is solid. If Carr makes a big jump up, they could have a winning season.
AFC WEST
1--Broncos (11-5)--Griffin won't be Portis, but he'll be good, and does anyone remember how good this team was with a healthy Plummer? They'd have won 12 or 13 last year if he hadn't been hurt.
2--Chiefs (11-5)--Of course the offense will run it up again, but the lack of attention to improving the D will prove costly.
3--Raiders (7-9)--If Gannon is half of what he was 2 years ago, they'll be alright.
4--Chargers (2-14)--Marty's last year ain't gonna be pretty.
Playoff Seeds:
1-Colts
2-Patriots
3-Ravens
4-Broncos
5-Chiefs
6-Bills
Wild Card Round:
Ravens over Bills
Broncos over Chiefs
Divisional Playoffs:
Colts over Broncos
Ravens over Patriots(Ray Lewis breaks pretty boy's leg)
AFC Championship:
Ravens over Colts
SUPER BOWL XXXIX
Vikings over Ravens
Because offense does sometimes win championships!
Thursday opener:
Last year ended with the Patriots being exposed as a lot of hype, but with their opponent (or the refs) handing them the game.
Tonight, the Patriots were exposed as frauds, but to say the Colts gift-wrapped this game would be a gross understatement. I have never seen such a quick succession of mistakes leading to a loss.
Along with learning that the Pats aren't anywhere close to a intimidating defense (unless it's snowy), we learned conclusively that the Colts defense is atrocious, and will be the reason they fail to reach the super bowl. Oh yeah, Brady's SO good. Show me one QB who can't hit ridiculously wide open receivers while never being pressured at all. The few times Indy actually made Brady sweat a little, he was mediocre at best. Not to mention for most of the game Doss was out, and he's one of the few Colts who has any business in the league.
Edge choked his ass off, fumbling at the one. And why they keep running up the middle in short yardage is beyond me.
But the Patriots SUCK! They should've been beaten. By the way, who cares if they set the record for consecutive wins. Anyone with two eyes can see they aren't the 72-73 Dolphins. But anyway, Stokley (easily the best player on the field in that game) breaks one and the game is at least tied. Oh, but then Manning tries to get picked off. Then the line chokes and he gets sacked. And there was not one person watching who did not know it was a 100% sure thing that Vanderjagt was gonna miss that kick.
The Pats have a deal with the devil. Everything works out for them. I hope their season implodes like in 2002, because they keep winning games they don't deserve to win. Basically they are last year's early season Vikings. That's all they are.
Tonight, the Patriots were exposed as frauds, but to say the Colts gift-wrapped this game would be a gross understatement. I have never seen such a quick succession of mistakes leading to a loss.
Along with learning that the Pats aren't anywhere close to a intimidating defense (unless it's snowy), we learned conclusively that the Colts defense is atrocious, and will be the reason they fail to reach the super bowl. Oh yeah, Brady's SO good. Show me one QB who can't hit ridiculously wide open receivers while never being pressured at all. The few times Indy actually made Brady sweat a little, he was mediocre at best. Not to mention for most of the game Doss was out, and he's one of the few Colts who has any business in the league.
Edge choked his ass off, fumbling at the one. And why they keep running up the middle in short yardage is beyond me.
But the Patriots SUCK! They should've been beaten. By the way, who cares if they set the record for consecutive wins. Anyone with two eyes can see they aren't the 72-73 Dolphins. But anyway, Stokley (easily the best player on the field in that game) breaks one and the game is at least tied. Oh, but then Manning tries to get picked off. Then the line chokes and he gets sacked. And there was not one person watching who did not know it was a 100% sure thing that Vanderjagt was gonna miss that kick.
The Pats have a deal with the devil. Everything works out for them. I hope their season implodes like in 2002, because they keep winning games they don't deserve to win. Basically they are last year's early season Vikings. That's all they are.
As for the game, yes Brady threw accurately, but how could he not? The receivers were wide open every third down, and the Colts only got a decent rush on maybe 5 plays the whole game. Al and John are fawning over the guy like he's Joe Montana (a comparson that is laughable, he's more like Aikman).
Stokley wasn't wide open on his TD catch. Neither was Marvin Harrison. But it was very telling that Manning was able to move the ball far better than last time, with the new rule. The Patriots are clearly not gonna be as effective on defense now that they can't cheat. And hey, they did what they were able to last year. Why not mug receivers if it won't ever be called? I don't blame them for that.
Doss was out of the game. Law still played. I thought it was stupid the Colts didn't exploit that a lot more. The Dungy play calling(or it is the OC) is a real problem. It cost em the regular season game against the Pats last year too.
I'm anti-Patriots for different reasons than I was 2 years ago.
They reached that first super bowl due to the ridculous tuck rule. They won that super bowl because of the horrid officiating on that final drive. It should've gone to OT, and who knows if they'd have won.
They made it there last year due to the mugging of Colt receivers, not to mention a pathetic dropped pass the week before by Drew Bennett of the Titans. Then they are HANDED the super bowl by John Kasay.
I also hated their sanctimonious "oh, we're a team and nobody else is" crap, and Troy Brown's whining about being underdogs.
As for Brady, I guess he deserved the 2nd MVP award, but for the first game it should've been either Ty Law or Vinatieri. Brady's stats against the Rams
were mediocre.
Yes they are a good team. But they are not deserving of the accolades they get. This game showed how they will not ever be worthy of being mentioned among the great teams and how their defense is not comparable to the Ravens or Tampa from 2 years ago.
I'll be attacking the Pats all year btw. Check out the 2002 thread over at the classics forum. I spent that whole season rejoicing at their failures. I will always love the Jets for knocking them out of the playoffs that year.
Stokley wasn't wide open on his TD catch. Neither was Marvin Harrison. But it was very telling that Manning was able to move the ball far better than last time, with the new rule. The Patriots are clearly not gonna be as effective on defense now that they can't cheat. And hey, they did what they were able to last year. Why not mug receivers if it won't ever be called? I don't blame them for that.
Doss was out of the game. Law still played. I thought it was stupid the Colts didn't exploit that a lot more. The Dungy play calling(or it is the OC) is a real problem. It cost em the regular season game against the Pats last year too.
I'm anti-Patriots for different reasons than I was 2 years ago.
They reached that first super bowl due to the ridculous tuck rule. They won that super bowl because of the horrid officiating on that final drive. It should've gone to OT, and who knows if they'd have won.
They made it there last year due to the mugging of Colt receivers, not to mention a pathetic dropped pass the week before by Drew Bennett of the Titans. Then they are HANDED the super bowl by John Kasay.
I also hated their sanctimonious "oh, we're a team and nobody else is" crap, and Troy Brown's whining about being underdogs.
As for Brady, I guess he deserved the 2nd MVP award, but for the first game it should've been either Ty Law or Vinatieri. Brady's stats against the Rams
were mediocre.
Yes they are a good team. But they are not deserving of the accolades they get. This game showed how they will not ever be worthy of being mentioned among the great teams and how their defense is not comparable to the Ravens or Tampa from 2 years ago.
I'll be attacking the Pats all year btw. Check out the 2002 thread over at the classics forum. I spent that whole season rejoicing at their failures. I will always love the Jets for knocking them out of the playoffs that year.
Week 1:
VIKINGS 35
COWBOYS 17
I saw nothing today to knock me off of my super bowl pick of the Vikings. They destroyed a very good defense, and their own revamped defense was all it needs to be for them to go far in January.
They were slow at the start, but Dallas failed to make em pay for it. Two long drives and they only get 3 points. Then Daunte, who played one of the best games of his career, hit Onterrio for a long TD and Dallas never really made the Vikes sweat again. Daunte dropped 5 TDs on the Cowboys, including a couple to Moss and a great one to Kelly Campbell. He made all those unstoppable runs. He was brilliant.
The defense was not unbelievable. Only one late sack on Vinny, who largely got to stand there and throw. But as far as points allowed they played great. One Dallas TD was on a short field, and the other was a very questionable score by Terry Glenn, who was clearly juggling the ball as he went out of bounds.
The key thing is that, unlike the early games last year, the Vikes won this one on their own merit. Dallas actually played a good game. Vinny was good. Keyshawn and Bryant were great. They ran alright. Their D was torched, but the Vikes will torch everyone all year.
Elsewhere....
The Iggles whipped the Giants, as McNabb and T.O. went nuts. Next Monday will be one great game.
My other super bowl pick...eh, not so good. Ravens lose to the sorry ass Browns. Boller better play way better than this, cuz Kordell is very able to replace him.
The bloody Texans lose inexplicably, and knock me out of survival football again in week one.
The Broncos beat KC. If Jake stays healthy, Denver could be the AFC's best team. And yeah, they really missed Portis.
Portis helped the Skins beat Tampa, whose offense missed the team flight.
The Rams were fortunate to be playing the Cards.
The Jets and Bengals each came out looking good. Palmer looks like the real deal, despite the late INT. And if Curtis Martin can do THAT, the overrated champs may have competition in the east.
Detroit won a road game. The Bills blew one to the Jags, and once again that offense with all that talent looks dreadful. Atlanta won, but not that impressively.
Watched a lot of Pittsburgh-Oakland. Steelers could be good this year. Gannon looks almost back to form.
COWBOYS 17
I saw nothing today to knock me off of my super bowl pick of the Vikings. They destroyed a very good defense, and their own revamped defense was all it needs to be for them to go far in January.
They were slow at the start, but Dallas failed to make em pay for it. Two long drives and they only get 3 points. Then Daunte, who played one of the best games of his career, hit Onterrio for a long TD and Dallas never really made the Vikes sweat again. Daunte dropped 5 TDs on the Cowboys, including a couple to Moss and a great one to Kelly Campbell. He made all those unstoppable runs. He was brilliant.
The defense was not unbelievable. Only one late sack on Vinny, who largely got to stand there and throw. But as far as points allowed they played great. One Dallas TD was on a short field, and the other was a very questionable score by Terry Glenn, who was clearly juggling the ball as he went out of bounds.
The key thing is that, unlike the early games last year, the Vikes won this one on their own merit. Dallas actually played a good game. Vinny was good. Keyshawn and Bryant were great. They ran alright. Their D was torched, but the Vikes will torch everyone all year.
Elsewhere....
The Iggles whipped the Giants, as McNabb and T.O. went nuts. Next Monday will be one great game.
My other super bowl pick...eh, not so good. Ravens lose to the sorry ass Browns. Boller better play way better than this, cuz Kordell is very able to replace him.
The bloody Texans lose inexplicably, and knock me out of survival football again in week one.
The Broncos beat KC. If Jake stays healthy, Denver could be the AFC's best team. And yeah, they really missed Portis.
Portis helped the Skins beat Tampa, whose offense missed the team flight.
The Rams were fortunate to be playing the Cards.
The Jets and Bengals each came out looking good. Palmer looks like the real deal, despite the late INT. And if Curtis Martin can do THAT, the overrated champs may have competition in the east.
Detroit won a road game. The Bills blew one to the Jags, and once again that offense with all that talent looks dreadful. Atlanta won, but not that impressively.
Watched a lot of Pittsburgh-Oakland. Steelers could be good this year. Gannon looks almost back to form.
The Packers really were impressive. I think them, the Vikes and Iggles had the 3 most impressive week ones. Carolina is very good, and Green Bay really owned that game. Green was real good. Favre didn't have a huge game, but everytime they needed a play he made it.
The Packers played a really strong game defensively. But if they play that same style every week, some weeks they'll get torched. The Panthers OL ain't real good right now. But against a team like the Vikes they'll get burned.
There's no chance the Vikes get blown out next week. You think Moss isn't gonna have one of his greatest games ever, when he's got a chance to show up T.O. on national TV?
The Packers played a really strong game defensively. But if they play that same style every week, some weeks they'll get torched. The Panthers OL ain't real good right now. But against a team like the Vikes they'll get burned.
There's no chance the Vikes get blown out next week. You think Moss isn't gonna have one of his greatest games ever, when he's got a chance to show up T.O. on national TV?
Week 2:
The Packers were a flat out EMBARRASSMENT today. There's no other way to say it. They were decisively beaten at home by easily one of the 5 worst teams in football. Ahman Green's goal line fumble showed why he can not be considered one of the top running backs. The guy fumbles all the time. He blew that Monday nighter against Philly last year. The Packer defense was solid, but where was the speed and energy they showed in dominating Carolina? Now the Pack goes to Indy, and will go from Super Bowl contender to 1-2 mediocrity in the blink of an eye.
But not all was bad in NFL week 2.
The Panthers saved their season and upset KC. With Atlanta seemingly for real, they couldn't go 0-2. Deshaun Foster can be every bit as good as Davis. Atlanta whipped the average Rams. So much for Vick not adjusting to the new system.
Indy's defense was fairly competent this time out, and they beat the Titans again. The big bad Patriots, the greatest team ever, stumbled along but beat the atrocious Cardinals. Now they get Buffalo and Miami, so they're gonna easily set the consecutive win record and no one will point out the easiness of their schedule.
The Lions are 2-0, but I'm not ready to proclaim them a serious threat. The Jags are 2-0 after Quentin Griffin pulled an Ahman Green and choked the game away. But with the Jag D, that team IS a legit threat. Seattle is 2-0. I'm 100% off the Tampa bandwagon. They are horrible. They're a 3 or 4 win team MAX.
The Giants beat the Skins, so I guess Gibbs is NOT the messiah. Kurt Warner finally gets a win. The Saints beat the Niners barely. Oakland beat the pathetic Bills. I cannot believe I picked the Bills and Bucs to make the playoffs. Neither team can score. Jerry Rice goes w/o a catch for the first time since I was in 1st grade.
The Ravens did a complete turnaround. Cincy tried to choke it away to Miami, but Palmer's not bad at all. The Jets are 2-0, and that game really was not that close. But the Chargers are not the total dreg I thought they'd be. Hell, they'd beat Green Bay handily.
But not all was bad in NFL week 2.
The Panthers saved their season and upset KC. With Atlanta seemingly for real, they couldn't go 0-2. Deshaun Foster can be every bit as good as Davis. Atlanta whipped the average Rams. So much for Vick not adjusting to the new system.
Indy's defense was fairly competent this time out, and they beat the Titans again. The big bad Patriots, the greatest team ever, stumbled along but beat the atrocious Cardinals. Now they get Buffalo and Miami, so they're gonna easily set the consecutive win record and no one will point out the easiness of their schedule.
The Lions are 2-0, but I'm not ready to proclaim them a serious threat. The Jags are 2-0 after Quentin Griffin pulled an Ahman Green and choked the game away. But with the Jag D, that team IS a legit threat. Seattle is 2-0. I'm 100% off the Tampa bandwagon. They are horrible. They're a 3 or 4 win team MAX.
The Giants beat the Skins, so I guess Gibbs is NOT the messiah. Kurt Warner finally gets a win. The Saints beat the Niners barely. Oakland beat the pathetic Bills. I cannot believe I picked the Bills and Bucs to make the playoffs. Neither team can score. Jerry Rice goes w/o a catch for the first time since I was in 1st grade.
The Ravens did a complete turnaround. Cincy tried to choke it away to Miami, but Palmer's not bad at all. The Jets are 2-0, and that game really was not that close. But the Chargers are not the total dreg I thought they'd be. Hell, they'd beat Green Bay handily.
Vikings-Eagles week 2 MNF:
Despite tonight's pathetic display against the Eagles, I still think the Vikings are a playoff team. However, we can cancel any prayer of a super bowl run if Daunte Culpepper plays like this on any sort of consistent basis.
Daunte was DREADFUL tonight. Talk about a game where the statistics lie. He was 37 of 47 for over 300 yds, but he also basically cost them the game.
They get down close, trailing 7-3. Daunte starts to run, like he's done for scores countless times. Then he inexplicably stops, allowing two Eagles to run up and stop him, forcing them to settle for 3.
Later, Daunte basically repeats the same blunder, only this time he fumbles. Oh great, the fumble crazy Daunte of 2002. I was screaming for a review, but he wasn't in. And you cannot be any closer.
So with 2 brain freezes, Daunte costs them 11 points. They shoulda been up 17-10 at the half. And there were several other opportunities for him to make plays and he just hesitated and did nothing.
In his defense, the OL was bad as well. Rosenthal goes out, and Kleinsasser was already out. Adam Haayer might have set a record for penalties. Therefore the running game did not exist, though they basically didn't try either.
The defense was far from great, but they did enough to keep them in the game while Daunte screwed up. Btw, sorry Owens, but that TD was clearly NOT a TD. Tice throws the challenge flag on a penalty just to yell at the refs, yet does not challenge a play that gives Philly a TD? And what compelled Moss to commit interference on a play that was already over?
And how can Morten not hit a 44 yarder WITH the wind? And why would you not onside kick with 3 minutes left? And why bring back Aaron Elling for kickoffs if the fool cannot get it deeper than the 15 EVER?
But the game was winnable. The Eagles are probably the NFC's best team so far. Certainly tonight you could tell which team has big game experience(granted, they LOSE them all).
McNabb may be headed for an MVP season.
The Vikes will be alright. Now they get to go back home and beat up the sorry Bears. And the Bears win over the Pack assures the Vikes of not looking past them. And face it, this was probably the toughest game on the whole schedule, except maybe at Indy. As long as Daunte rebounds this team is still the favorite to win the north.
Daunte was DREADFUL tonight. Talk about a game where the statistics lie. He was 37 of 47 for over 300 yds, but he also basically cost them the game.
They get down close, trailing 7-3. Daunte starts to run, like he's done for scores countless times. Then he inexplicably stops, allowing two Eagles to run up and stop him, forcing them to settle for 3.
Later, Daunte basically repeats the same blunder, only this time he fumbles. Oh great, the fumble crazy Daunte of 2002. I was screaming for a review, but he wasn't in. And you cannot be any closer.
So with 2 brain freezes, Daunte costs them 11 points. They shoulda been up 17-10 at the half. And there were several other opportunities for him to make plays and he just hesitated and did nothing.
In his defense, the OL was bad as well. Rosenthal goes out, and Kleinsasser was already out. Adam Haayer might have set a record for penalties. Therefore the running game did not exist, though they basically didn't try either.
The defense was far from great, but they did enough to keep them in the game while Daunte screwed up. Btw, sorry Owens, but that TD was clearly NOT a TD. Tice throws the challenge flag on a penalty just to yell at the refs, yet does not challenge a play that gives Philly a TD? And what compelled Moss to commit interference on a play that was already over?
And how can Morten not hit a 44 yarder WITH the wind? And why would you not onside kick with 3 minutes left? And why bring back Aaron Elling for kickoffs if the fool cannot get it deeper than the 15 EVER?
But the game was winnable. The Eagles are probably the NFC's best team so far. Certainly tonight you could tell which team has big game experience(granted, they LOSE them all).
McNabb may be headed for an MVP season.
The Vikes will be alright. Now they get to go back home and beat up the sorry Bears. And the Bears win over the Pack assures the Vikes of not looking past them. And face it, this was probably the toughest game on the whole schedule, except maybe at Indy. As long as Daunte rebounds this team is still the favorite to win the north.
Week 3:
Vikings 27
Bears 22
Well, the Vikes didn't completely screw this game up. At least they won, over the pathetic Bears. But the fact that this game was in doubt until the final minutes proves this team still has major problems.
The Bears are a terrible team anyway, but for this one they had their whole secondary out, not to mention no Urlacher. With the Vikes at home, they should've scored 50 points, and completely dominated this game.
Instead, they again screwed up in the red zone. Morten missed another FG. Frerotte botched a snap. Daunte, despite putting up good numbers again, fumbled two more times. At least this time they were not turnovers.
The defense was not awful, but Grossman riddled them frequently. Had he not been hurt at the end, the Bears could very well have won. The offense was iffy, but even at that they scored 27. Moss was outstanding. Burleson made one of the sickest runs you'll ever see. Onterrio Smith was huge, though he fumbled.
I'm picky, but this team needs to improve their play a lot if they plan to have any chance against the elite NFC teams.
The Packers are NOT one of those elite teams. Granted, the Favre-Manning matchup was a great game to watch, but it was also infuriating to watch. The Packers D is dismal. And at this point I really have grown tired of seeing Packer receivers drop wide open balls, killing drives. That's not even including Javon Walker's idiotic fumble that ended the game. Favre's out there with one leg, and his targets are blowing the game. True, most would have expected a 1-2 start with this schedule, but the way it's gone has to be disappointing.
The Colts offense looks great again, and of course if James wasn't a dumbass they'd be 3-0. And oh joy I get to see my fantasy team demolished all in this one game.![]()
The NFC's elite are clearly the Iggles and Seahawks. Philly killed Detroit in a game I almost picked the Lions in. Seattle shut out the Niners, which hasn't been done since before I was born.
Atlanta is also 3-0, but c'mon, 6-3 over the woeful Cardinals? The Giants are 2-1, and if Warner keeps playing well they may just have a playoff shot. The Saints beat the fading Rams. I think the Rams are clearly a thing of the past.
Over in the AFC, once again the Jags miracuously win. They play the Colts next week. The Ravens opened up a can of sumthin on Cincy. Jamal Lewis gave my fantasy team a rare highlight. Denver took care of Diego.
The Chiefs, and their whiny defense, are 0-3. AND they've got the Ravens next Monday. They'll be 0-4, and the defense will still be acting like crybaby punks. "Waaaa! How dare you ask if we should've brought in new players! Waaaaaa! How dare you ask a legit question!"
Bears 22
Well, the Vikes didn't completely screw this game up. At least they won, over the pathetic Bears. But the fact that this game was in doubt until the final minutes proves this team still has major problems.
The Bears are a terrible team anyway, but for this one they had their whole secondary out, not to mention no Urlacher. With the Vikes at home, they should've scored 50 points, and completely dominated this game.
Instead, they again screwed up in the red zone. Morten missed another FG. Frerotte botched a snap. Daunte, despite putting up good numbers again, fumbled two more times. At least this time they were not turnovers.
The defense was not awful, but Grossman riddled them frequently. Had he not been hurt at the end, the Bears could very well have won. The offense was iffy, but even at that they scored 27. Moss was outstanding. Burleson made one of the sickest runs you'll ever see. Onterrio Smith was huge, though he fumbled.
I'm picky, but this team needs to improve their play a lot if they plan to have any chance against the elite NFC teams.
The Packers are NOT one of those elite teams. Granted, the Favre-Manning matchup was a great game to watch, but it was also infuriating to watch. The Packers D is dismal. And at this point I really have grown tired of seeing Packer receivers drop wide open balls, killing drives. That's not even including Javon Walker's idiotic fumble that ended the game. Favre's out there with one leg, and his targets are blowing the game. True, most would have expected a 1-2 start with this schedule, but the way it's gone has to be disappointing.
The Colts offense looks great again, and of course if James wasn't a dumbass they'd be 3-0. And oh joy I get to see my fantasy team demolished all in this one game.
The NFC's elite are clearly the Iggles and Seahawks. Philly killed Detroit in a game I almost picked the Lions in. Seattle shut out the Niners, which hasn't been done since before I was born.
Atlanta is also 3-0, but c'mon, 6-3 over the woeful Cardinals? The Giants are 2-1, and if Warner keeps playing well they may just have a playoff shot. The Saints beat the fading Rams. I think the Rams are clearly a thing of the past.
Over in the AFC, once again the Jags miracuously win. They play the Colts next week. The Ravens opened up a can of sumthin on Cincy. Jamal Lewis gave my fantasy team a rare highlight. Denver took care of Diego.
The Chiefs, and their whiny defense, are 0-3. AND they've got the Ravens next Monday. They'll be 0-4, and the defense will still be acting like crybaby punks. "Waaaa! How dare you ask if we should've brought in new players! Waaaaaa! How dare you ask a legit question!"
Week 4:
It might be time to stick a fork in the Packers. 1-3 now, with Favre hurt so bad that he couldn't return (so you know it WAS bad). Their OL is in shambles. Pederson is crap. They're done.
Up in Buffalo, a certain fraud was exposed (well, two if you count Mike Mularkey). The fraudulent Patriots are doing the exact same thing as they did 2 years ago. In 02 they opened with an AFC title rematch, and had the game handed to them completely. Then they won easily against a wretched opponent (the Jets, who were awful to start 02). Then in game 3 they were 100% exposed by a dismal Chiefs team. The Bills are worse. Buffalo is the worst team in the AFC. Yet they led 17-10 over the greatest football team in history (which everyone calls the frauds). And then the Bills choked it away, with some help once again from the refs. Dillon clearly fumbles, but the refs blow the call and the frauds go ahead.
You can have your win streak, Pats. Have fun when the Jets and especially the Seahawks take your ridiculously overrated defense apart.![]()
The Jags are for real, but Indy won. If James wasn't a dumbass they'd be 4-0. The Jags are playoff bound. Indy is home field bound. Just keep winning and the frauds will lose their 6 or 7 games. Hell, the JETS win the east this year.
The Texans are starting to look alright. Pittsburgh's ok too. Philly slept through their game, but they're still probably the best in the league (them, Seattle or Indy). Washington is horrible. Cleveland might be the worst 2-2 team ever.
Up in Buffalo, a certain fraud was exposed (well, two if you count Mike Mularkey). The fraudulent Patriots are doing the exact same thing as they did 2 years ago. In 02 they opened with an AFC title rematch, and had the game handed to them completely. Then they won easily against a wretched opponent (the Jets, who were awful to start 02). Then in game 3 they were 100% exposed by a dismal Chiefs team. The Bills are worse. Buffalo is the worst team in the AFC. Yet they led 17-10 over the greatest football team in history (which everyone calls the frauds). And then the Bills choked it away, with some help once again from the refs. Dillon clearly fumbles, but the refs blow the call and the frauds go ahead.
You can have your win streak, Pats. Have fun when the Jets and especially the Seahawks take your ridiculously overrated defense apart.
The Jags are for real, but Indy won. If James wasn't a dumbass they'd be 4-0. The Jags are playoff bound. Indy is home field bound. Just keep winning and the frauds will lose their 6 or 7 games. Hell, the JETS win the east this year.
The Texans are starting to look alright. Pittsburgh's ok too. Philly slept through their game, but they're still probably the best in the league (them, Seattle or Indy). Washington is horrible. Cleveland might be the worst 2-2 team ever.
Anyway, onto some late games, and the Rams are currently bombing the Niners.
The Jets were sloppy, which sucks cuz Pennington and McCareins did NOTHING, thus sending my fantasy team to 2-2.![]()
Miami is really a sorry situation.
The Falcons might have to be put in the Seattle and Philly class now. Carolina IS good, and the Falcons beat em easily. The defense is the surprise there.
Arizona killed the Aints. It's the system.![]()
Good to see Emmitt still doing well.
The Chargers beat the Titans. I'd have picked that if I thought McNair would sit. I was sure he'd play. The Chargers are a big surprise team so far. They can put up some points.
Denver was ok and beat Tampa.
I picked Tampa, Buffalo, KC, and Green Bay for the playoffs. Combined record: 1-13.
The Jets were sloppy, which sucks cuz Pennington and McCareins did NOTHING, thus sending my fantasy team to 2-2.
Miami is really a sorry situation.The Falcons might have to be put in the Seattle and Philly class now. Carolina IS good, and the Falcons beat em easily. The defense is the surprise there.
Arizona killed the Aints. It's the system.
Good to see Emmitt still doing well.The Chargers beat the Titans. I'd have picked that if I thought McNair would sit. I was sure he'd play. The Chargers are a big surprise team so far. They can put up some points.
Denver was ok and beat Tampa.
I picked Tampa, Buffalo, KC, and Green Bay for the playoffs. Combined record: 1-13.
Week 5:
VIKINGS 34
TEXANS 28 in OT
For pure entertainment value, this game was great. But the Vikes should not have let it become so compelling.
They were great in the first half. The defense barely let Houston past midfield. Daunte was great. Mewelde Moore was amazing. Every time he got the ball he got more than he probably should have out of it.
Then came the meltdown. On the heels of Saturday's dual chokes by the Gophers and Twins, it looked like the Vikes were gonna choke it away too. The defense reverted to form, though in their, uh, defense I've never seen such a collection of spectacular catches as the ones from Johnson, Bruener, Armstrong and Gaffney.
And Moore almost became the goat, screwing up badly on a kickoff, which led to the Texans tying score. And Robinson drops a sure TD. Thankfully he made the next catch, and the Vikes go to 3-1. It just wasn't nearly as impressive as it was going.
Of course, the Vikes COULD be the Seahawks. Obviously up 27-10, Hasselbeck and Alexander were already looking ahead, salivating over their chance to destroy the Patriots D next week. And the D stopped trying. I'm sorry, but the complete turnaround by Bulger had to be the D lying down and assuming victory. Now the Rams are back in the NFC game, and I probably can't hope for Seattle to win next week.![]()
As for Denny's Cardinals, their choke was maybe worse, since it was to the woeful Niners. He's clearly still got his Viking tendencies.
Here is where everyone fellates New England. 19 straight wins, with only about half of them impressing me in the least. But hey, wins are wins. I'm actually really impressed by Brady's 70-some yards, and I'm awed by how they barely covered the spread against the worst Miami team in history. Take away an idiotic fake punt and its 17-10 late before Fiedler gets hurt. But oh yeah, they're better than the 85 Bears, 70's Steelers/Cowboys/Dolphins, 80's Niners, 90's Cowboys/Broncos/Packers, etc. Lucky them they've got the easiest schedule for a defending super bowl champ I've ever seen. They might not have to show up til January.
The Jets no longer look like the team to annihilate the Pats. Jeez, they eek out a win over the sorry Bills. The Colts are rolling, and again, if Edgerrin wasn't a dumbass they'd be 5-0. The Steelers are solid, but how long can Roth... go? Denver's alright, and they beat the tough luck Panthers (the super bowl team that's actually had tough games outta the chute). Oakland's mediocre. Jacksonville's come back to earth a bit. The Chargers have to be THE surprise. They actually have impressive wins.
In the NFC, the Falcons were exposed. I expected offensive struggles like this. Inexcusable with that talent. Detroit can win on the road now. Tampa got a win, over the ridiculous Saints, who will yield at least 5 TDs to Daunte next week. Carolina's the best 1-3 team you'll find. The Giants are rock solid. Dallas is looking shaky all over.
TEXANS 28 in OT
For pure entertainment value, this game was great. But the Vikes should not have let it become so compelling.
They were great in the first half. The defense barely let Houston past midfield. Daunte was great. Mewelde Moore was amazing. Every time he got the ball he got more than he probably should have out of it.
Then came the meltdown. On the heels of Saturday's dual chokes by the Gophers and Twins, it looked like the Vikes were gonna choke it away too. The defense reverted to form, though in their, uh, defense I've never seen such a collection of spectacular catches as the ones from Johnson, Bruener, Armstrong and Gaffney.
And Moore almost became the goat, screwing up badly on a kickoff, which led to the Texans tying score. And Robinson drops a sure TD. Thankfully he made the next catch, and the Vikes go to 3-1. It just wasn't nearly as impressive as it was going.
Of course, the Vikes COULD be the Seahawks. Obviously up 27-10, Hasselbeck and Alexander were already looking ahead, salivating over their chance to destroy the Patriots D next week. And the D stopped trying. I'm sorry, but the complete turnaround by Bulger had to be the D lying down and assuming victory. Now the Rams are back in the NFC game, and I probably can't hope for Seattle to win next week.
As for Denny's Cardinals, their choke was maybe worse, since it was to the woeful Niners. He's clearly still got his Viking tendencies.
Here is where everyone fellates New England. 19 straight wins, with only about half of them impressing me in the least. But hey, wins are wins. I'm actually really impressed by Brady's 70-some yards, and I'm awed by how they barely covered the spread against the worst Miami team in history. Take away an idiotic fake punt and its 17-10 late before Fiedler gets hurt. But oh yeah, they're better than the 85 Bears, 70's Steelers/Cowboys/Dolphins, 80's Niners, 90's Cowboys/Broncos/Packers, etc. Lucky them they've got the easiest schedule for a defending super bowl champ I've ever seen. They might not have to show up til January.
The Jets no longer look like the team to annihilate the Pats. Jeez, they eek out a win over the sorry Bills. The Colts are rolling, and again, if Edgerrin wasn't a dumbass they'd be 5-0. The Steelers are solid, but how long can Roth... go? Denver's alright, and they beat the tough luck Panthers (the super bowl team that's actually had tough games outta the chute). Oakland's mediocre. Jacksonville's come back to earth a bit. The Chargers have to be THE surprise. They actually have impressive wins.
In the NFC, the Falcons were exposed. I expected offensive struggles like this. Inexcusable with that talent. Detroit can win on the road now. Tampa got a win, over the ridiculous Saints, who will yield at least 5 TDs to Daunte next week. Carolina's the best 1-3 team you'll find. The Giants are rock solid. Dallas is looking shaky all over.
MNF:
As for the Packers, well, the Packers as we've known them for 10+ years are dead. The top 5 all time QB known as Brett Favre has officially become a mediocre player. He may still have a stellar game here and there, but as a consistent player he's really regressed. Ahman Green is doing nothing. And that defense....OMG! That defense is worse than last year's Chiefs. They couldn't stop the Huskers. Pack fans stood up and booed, and then left. 0-3 at Lambeau. And with Detroit next week they're headed for at best 5-11. And that 5-11 may be generous.
Week 6:
VIKINGS 38
SAINTS 31
This was a puzzling game. Despite the final score, there was never a moment when the Vikes did not seem well in control. They basically dominated the game.
This offense is by far the best in football. Daunte is not only on pace to break the TD pass record, but I think he WILL make it. He's throwing 50 this year. That long TD to Moss was as perfect a throw as you'll ever see. And even after Moss left, Daunte kept rockin. Burleson was excellent. Robinson caught a TD. Wiggins made a SICK catch. And Mewelde Moore had another fantastic game. He HAS to still start next week, even with Bennett coming back. Just keep him off the kick team, as he nearly had a major screwup again.
The turnovers were sloppy. Daunte's 1st pick was just bad. The second one might've been six if Moss hadn't run into the guy. And I don't know what happened on the bad snap.
The defense remains mediocre. They finally got a pick, and Udeze had a sack, but they gave up a lot of big plays. Still, it never felt like last week, where they seemed to be giving the game away. They are clearly the 2nd best team in an NFC where only Philly is an elite.
The Packers at least temporarily saved their season by crushing Detroit. That one baffled me. Far better Packer teams have gone in there and lost to far inferior Lion teams (like last year). This one wins by 28.![]()
Maybe it was Mike Sherman's bowling shirt.
Blah blah Patriots blah blah given another game blah blah blah. Fuck it, I'm conceding the season to them. 19-0. Super Bowl champs. Easy schedule, and every team of some value they do play is apparently gonna hand the game to them. Clearly Seattle's true self has been exposed. Brilliant. Down 23-17, you play for 3. Yeah, cuz after your defense couldn't hold a 17 point lead with 5 minutes left last week, they're REALLY gonna be able to hold the Pats. All they needed was to not allow a TD, and they failed in that minor task. Yeah, don't bother using Alexander against a team that can't stop any RB. At least they hit Brady a little. Funny how when the guy actually takes a hit he fumbles. Well, I see no way the Jets beat em. Maybe the Steelers or Rams can, but its more likely they'll do whatever it takes to give the Pats the game.
However, the EAGLES are the best team in the NFL. They dismantled the hard luck Panthers 30-8. Philly looks like a lock to make the super bowl. The Panthers have just been crushed by injuries, and an actual schedule.
The Jets went to 5-0, but were shaky again. Atlanta beat the Chargers, despite the inexplicable lack of Warrick Dunn (killing my fantasy team). Denver killed Oakland. Nobody talks about Denver, but they have a real defense, and that division looks theirs.
The Jaguars pulled one out over KC. Leftwich is just clutch all the way. KC might now be finished, since the AFC is really good. 10-6 may be needed, and even that might not be enough. The Titans are also on life support, as the Texans keep getting better.
Pittsburgh won cuz Vinny screwed up, but Roethlisberger is really good. Dallas is mediocre. The Redskins won, but unimpressively. The Bills beat Miami, but the Dolphins will win 2 or 3 games. Cincy looks like they're done, but can we stop hearing the Kitna calls? Palmer's not the one who plays incompetent defense every week. The Browns have to be the worst 3-3 team in the league.
SAINTS 31
This was a puzzling game. Despite the final score, there was never a moment when the Vikes did not seem well in control. They basically dominated the game.
This offense is by far the best in football. Daunte is not only on pace to break the TD pass record, but I think he WILL make it. He's throwing 50 this year. That long TD to Moss was as perfect a throw as you'll ever see. And even after Moss left, Daunte kept rockin. Burleson was excellent. Robinson caught a TD. Wiggins made a SICK catch. And Mewelde Moore had another fantastic game. He HAS to still start next week, even with Bennett coming back. Just keep him off the kick team, as he nearly had a major screwup again.
The turnovers were sloppy. Daunte's 1st pick was just bad. The second one might've been six if Moss hadn't run into the guy. And I don't know what happened on the bad snap.
The defense remains mediocre. They finally got a pick, and Udeze had a sack, but they gave up a lot of big plays. Still, it never felt like last week, where they seemed to be giving the game away. They are clearly the 2nd best team in an NFC where only Philly is an elite.
The Packers at least temporarily saved their season by crushing Detroit. That one baffled me. Far better Packer teams have gone in there and lost to far inferior Lion teams (like last year). This one wins by 28.
Maybe it was Mike Sherman's bowling shirt.Blah blah Patriots blah blah given another game blah blah blah. Fuck it, I'm conceding the season to them. 19-0. Super Bowl champs. Easy schedule, and every team of some value they do play is apparently gonna hand the game to them. Clearly Seattle's true self has been exposed. Brilliant. Down 23-17, you play for 3. Yeah, cuz after your defense couldn't hold a 17 point lead with 5 minutes left last week, they're REALLY gonna be able to hold the Pats. All they needed was to not allow a TD, and they failed in that minor task. Yeah, don't bother using Alexander against a team that can't stop any RB. At least they hit Brady a little. Funny how when the guy actually takes a hit he fumbles. Well, I see no way the Jets beat em. Maybe the Steelers or Rams can, but its more likely they'll do whatever it takes to give the Pats the game.
However, the EAGLES are the best team in the NFL. They dismantled the hard luck Panthers 30-8. Philly looks like a lock to make the super bowl. The Panthers have just been crushed by injuries, and an actual schedule.
The Jets went to 5-0, but were shaky again. Atlanta beat the Chargers, despite the inexplicable lack of Warrick Dunn (killing my fantasy team). Denver killed Oakland. Nobody talks about Denver, but they have a real defense, and that division looks theirs.
The Jaguars pulled one out over KC. Leftwich is just clutch all the way. KC might now be finished, since the AFC is really good. 10-6 may be needed, and even that might not be enough. The Titans are also on life support, as the Texans keep getting better.
Pittsburgh won cuz Vinny screwed up, but Roethlisberger is really good. Dallas is mediocre. The Redskins won, but unimpressively. The Bills beat Miami, but the Dolphins will win 2 or 3 games. Cincy looks like they're done, but can we stop hearing the Kitna calls? Palmer's not the one who plays incompetent defense every week. The Browns have to be the worst 3-3 team in the league.
Week 7:
VIKINGS 20
TITANS 3
Yes, the Titans QB for most of this game was something named Billy Volek. But there is no mistaking that this was the best game from the Vikings defense in many years.
They got in there to pressure Volek (not to mention knocking out McNair), they did a solid job on Chris Brown. And they got turnovers. And they got them in big situations, like at the goal line.
Daunte didn't put up big numbers, which could be expected w/o Moss, but he played mistake-free and made big throws when needed. And once again Mewelde Moore was amazing. If he starts the rest of the year (and he oughta), he should be the offensive rookie of the year. Robinson and Burleson stepped in for Moss.
Kind of a dull game, but in a good way, and it has the Vikings more than ever as an NFC elite. Today we saw the NFC come back quite a bit. Philly struggled with the Browns (who maybe aren't quite as bad as I thought), but won. But everyone else dropped.
Atlanta went from a potential elite to a 56-10 loser. Now the NFC south is open again, as the Saints won, and Tampa is getting back in it a little. Only Carolina failed to capitalize. Sadly, the Panthers are headed for a 4 or 5 win season. Injuries are largely to blame, but what happened to Delhomme, the gutsy s.o.b. who exposed the Patriots last February?
In the NFC west, suddenly Denny Green is in it! This whole home field advantage for the Cards is real. They can win down there, even w/o any fans. Seattle has gone from super bowl contender to fully exposed fraud in 3 weeks. Hasselbeck has been a joke the last 2 weeks.
The Rams ain't much better. Oooh baby, Mike Martz screwed the pooch again. A lopsided loss to the Dolphins...yeesh! And what kind of dope accepts a penalty that gives a team another down?
The Lions win at the Giants. I KNEW I shoulda picked that.
And Green Bay is coming. Dallas is stunningly bad on defense this year, but for the Pack they finally get a Lambeau win, and Ahman Green actually has a big game. They can't come back and take the division, unless they sweep the Vikes (highly unlikely), but a wild card is once again within their grasp.
Over in the AFC, I again concede the whole damn thing to the Pats, because once again we learn every team of value they play will hand the game to them. Sowell fumbles in the redzone w/o being touched. They giftwrap a TD before the half. Pennington (who is killing my woeful fantasy team) throws a 4th down pass that nobody could ever hope to catch. At least the Jets played a little D, but it looks like the bastard Pats are going 19-0. Oh well, if by some cosmic thing it leads to a Red Sox championship, it's worth it.
The Colts blow one to the Jags, who I'm lovin. The Jags are for real, and their offense is getting better every game. Indy has lost any hope of a #1 seed though now, as the Pats would have to lose 3.
Baltimore won w/o Jamal, as Deion went off. I still think they can be a major player in the playoffs.
San Diego stays plucky, although Denver still owns that division. Oakland is finished. KC's blowout win has them still alive. Obviously if they play like that they can still be a factor.
Worst team in football? Chicago. Yikes!
TITANS 3
Yes, the Titans QB for most of this game was something named Billy Volek. But there is no mistaking that this was the best game from the Vikings defense in many years.
They got in there to pressure Volek (not to mention knocking out McNair), they did a solid job on Chris Brown. And they got turnovers. And they got them in big situations, like at the goal line.
Daunte didn't put up big numbers, which could be expected w/o Moss, but he played mistake-free and made big throws when needed. And once again Mewelde Moore was amazing. If he starts the rest of the year (and he oughta), he should be the offensive rookie of the year. Robinson and Burleson stepped in for Moss.
Kind of a dull game, but in a good way, and it has the Vikings more than ever as an NFC elite. Today we saw the NFC come back quite a bit. Philly struggled with the Browns (who maybe aren't quite as bad as I thought), but won. But everyone else dropped.
Atlanta went from a potential elite to a 56-10 loser. Now the NFC south is open again, as the Saints won, and Tampa is getting back in it a little. Only Carolina failed to capitalize. Sadly, the Panthers are headed for a 4 or 5 win season. Injuries are largely to blame, but what happened to Delhomme, the gutsy s.o.b. who exposed the Patriots last February?
In the NFC west, suddenly Denny Green is in it! This whole home field advantage for the Cards is real. They can win down there, even w/o any fans. Seattle has gone from super bowl contender to fully exposed fraud in 3 weeks. Hasselbeck has been a joke the last 2 weeks.
The Rams ain't much better. Oooh baby, Mike Martz screwed the pooch again. A lopsided loss to the Dolphins...yeesh! And what kind of dope accepts a penalty that gives a team another down?
The Lions win at the Giants. I KNEW I shoulda picked that.
And Green Bay is coming. Dallas is stunningly bad on defense this year, but for the Pack they finally get a Lambeau win, and Ahman Green actually has a big game. They can't come back and take the division, unless they sweep the Vikes (highly unlikely), but a wild card is once again within their grasp.
Over in the AFC, I again concede the whole damn thing to the Pats, because once again we learn every team of value they play will hand the game to them. Sowell fumbles in the redzone w/o being touched. They giftwrap a TD before the half. Pennington (who is killing my woeful fantasy team) throws a 4th down pass that nobody could ever hope to catch. At least the Jets played a little D, but it looks like the bastard Pats are going 19-0. Oh well, if by some cosmic thing it leads to a Red Sox championship, it's worth it.
The Colts blow one to the Jags, who I'm lovin. The Jags are for real, and their offense is getting better every game. Indy has lost any hope of a #1 seed though now, as the Pats would have to lose 3.
Baltimore won w/o Jamal, as Deion went off. I still think they can be a major player in the playoffs.
San Diego stays plucky, although Denver still owns that division. Oakland is finished. KC's blowout win has them still alive. Obviously if they play like that they can still be a factor.
Worst team in football? Chicago. Yikes!
Week 8:
GIANTS 34
VIKINGS 13
Well, I'd like to think this is not a sign of things to come. I'd like to think the Vikings are not about to embark on yet another second half collapse.
I'd like to think that.
It appeared like we were heading for another 41-0. Mercifully the Vikes got a couple scores, but the offense was atrocious today. Daunte literally threw away any hope he had to be the MVP. This was the worst passing game for Daunte in a long time. Those picks he threw were just awful, especially that sideline one. It can't just be the absence of Moss (I'll get to that). Even that lateral fumble was more Daunte's fault than Mewelde Moore's.
As for Moore, he basically was benched for about half a quarter for that by Tice. Real nice. The guy's been sensational, then makes one mistake that's only half his fault, and you take him outta the game? And what was Tice thinking challenging those 2 plays? Did some of Dubya's stupidity rub off on him yesterday?
As for Moss, he reinjured his hammy. That's now 2 straight weeks Tice puts him out there on a bad leg, which he then makes worse. Brilliant. So he's taken a minor injury and turned it into something that may plague him the rest of the season.
The defense was actually ok. You just see the 34 and think differently, but much of that was attained on a short field after turnovers, or on a pass interference. But there were times in the 2nd half where they seemed to quit. That was way too much like last year. But the line played really well.
The Vikes ARE better than last year, but they have to follow up this debacle with trips to Indy (who gotta be pissed now) and Green Bay (who once again are getting hot midseason). They must win one of those, or else they'll be caught and/or surpassed by both Green Bay and Detroit.
That's negative. And oh god is my fantasy team all about the negativity. Manning has the most insane statline ever, naturally against me.![]()
But for positivity on this Halloween, we go to Pittsburgh.
SUCK ON IT, PATSIES!!!! YES! The Steelers beat the Patriots 34-20, and it wasn't even that close! There may not be a more satisfying game all year. For once, a team comes out and does not hand the game to the SOFT Patsies. It was beautiful watching the game, seeing the Patsies all confused. They didn't know what to do, stuck in a game where their opponent was not giving it away on a silver platter! Tom Brady, the most perfect QB in history, screwing up big time. He was actually getting hit, which that marshmallow never has to deal with. Roethlisberger is SO much better than Brady was in his first year. Big Ben is just great, so composed and smart, and in his case he doesn't have the safety nets Brady's had. Burress made a couple sick catches. Duce and Bus were awesome. The only reason the Pats were remotely close at all was cuz the Steelers basically went to a prevent early in the 3rd. I'm sure no other Patsie opponents will learn from this, and the Pats will get a free ride to the super bowl probably, but at least they won't go undefeated, and I won't have to hear about the win streak anymore. GOD BLESS YOU, STEELERS!!
Anyway...
Green Bay is coming strong. 28 against the solid Skin D, with Favre having 3 INTs.
Philly stayed unbeaten, as they did NOT crawl into a hole w/o their starting back. If they beat the Steelers, this unbeaten thing could go a long time.
The Ravens are hanging in there, but the division is lost to them. They (and I) get Jamal back next week.
Atlanta is schizo. They give up 56, then go to Denver and win convincingly. Denver is suddenly going in the tank.
The Chiefs are hummin again, and the Colts are tanking it (but they get a get well card next week in the form of the Vikes).
The Chargers continue to surprise. Oakland is finished.
The Texans are true contenders. The Jags were flat, but they still lead the division.
I jumped on the Cincy bandwagon for one week...and will now jump off of it for good.
Dallas got a needed win, but they won't be making the playoffs.
Buffalo killed Denny's road show. With McGahee the Bills are actually alright.
Seattle was not impressive, but they won, over the depressing Panthers. It sucks the fall from the top they've suffered.
VIKINGS 13
Well, I'd like to think this is not a sign of things to come. I'd like to think the Vikings are not about to embark on yet another second half collapse.
I'd like to think that.
It appeared like we were heading for another 41-0. Mercifully the Vikes got a couple scores, but the offense was atrocious today. Daunte literally threw away any hope he had to be the MVP. This was the worst passing game for Daunte in a long time. Those picks he threw were just awful, especially that sideline one. It can't just be the absence of Moss (I'll get to that). Even that lateral fumble was more Daunte's fault than Mewelde Moore's.
As for Moore, he basically was benched for about half a quarter for that by Tice. Real nice. The guy's been sensational, then makes one mistake that's only half his fault, and you take him outta the game? And what was Tice thinking challenging those 2 plays? Did some of Dubya's stupidity rub off on him yesterday?
As for Moss, he reinjured his hammy. That's now 2 straight weeks Tice puts him out there on a bad leg, which he then makes worse. Brilliant. So he's taken a minor injury and turned it into something that may plague him the rest of the season.
The defense was actually ok. You just see the 34 and think differently, but much of that was attained on a short field after turnovers, or on a pass interference. But there were times in the 2nd half where they seemed to quit. That was way too much like last year. But the line played really well.
The Vikes ARE better than last year, but they have to follow up this debacle with trips to Indy (who gotta be pissed now) and Green Bay (who once again are getting hot midseason). They must win one of those, or else they'll be caught and/or surpassed by both Green Bay and Detroit.
That's negative. And oh god is my fantasy team all about the negativity. Manning has the most insane statline ever, naturally against me.
But for positivity on this Halloween, we go to Pittsburgh.SUCK ON IT, PATSIES!!!! YES! The Steelers beat the Patriots 34-20, and it wasn't even that close! There may not be a more satisfying game all year. For once, a team comes out and does not hand the game to the SOFT Patsies. It was beautiful watching the game, seeing the Patsies all confused. They didn't know what to do, stuck in a game where their opponent was not giving it away on a silver platter! Tom Brady, the most perfect QB in history, screwing up big time. He was actually getting hit, which that marshmallow never has to deal with. Roethlisberger is SO much better than Brady was in his first year. Big Ben is just great, so composed and smart, and in his case he doesn't have the safety nets Brady's had. Burress made a couple sick catches. Duce and Bus were awesome. The only reason the Pats were remotely close at all was cuz the Steelers basically went to a prevent early in the 3rd. I'm sure no other Patsie opponents will learn from this, and the Pats will get a free ride to the super bowl probably, but at least they won't go undefeated, and I won't have to hear about the win streak anymore. GOD BLESS YOU, STEELERS!!
Anyway...
Green Bay is coming strong. 28 against the solid Skin D, with Favre having 3 INTs.
Philly stayed unbeaten, as they did NOT crawl into a hole w/o their starting back. If they beat the Steelers, this unbeaten thing could go a long time.
The Ravens are hanging in there, but the division is lost to them. They (and I) get Jamal back next week.
Atlanta is schizo. They give up 56, then go to Denver and win convincingly. Denver is suddenly going in the tank.
The Chiefs are hummin again, and the Colts are tanking it (but they get a get well card next week in the form of the Vikes).
The Chargers continue to surprise. Oakland is finished.
The Texans are true contenders. The Jags were flat, but they still lead the division.
I jumped on the Cincy bandwagon for one week...and will now jump off of it for good.
Dallas got a needed win, but they won't be making the playoffs.
Buffalo killed Denny's road show. With McGahee the Bills are actually alright.
Seattle was not impressive, but they won, over the depressing Panthers. It sucks the fall from the top they've suffered.
Week 9:
There's no disputing that the NFL's best team is in Pittsburgh. The Steelers dominated the Patsies last week, and today they dominated an even better team in the Eagles. Bettis was his old self, and Roethlisberger is just amazing The only thing that could keep him from the pro bowl is that the AFC has quite a few superstar QBs. Philly was due to lose, especially with no running game. Looks like T.O. is reverting to his spoiled bitch phase. They're still easily the NFC's top team though.
Order was restored in St. Louis. Man, it was like super bowl 36 all over again. The officials were making blatantly wrong calls in favor of the Patsies. Or I guess you CAN recover a fumble when half your body is out of bounds.![]()
And Martz once again showed why he is the WORST coach in the NFL. The Pats run D is awful, yet Faulk is again underused. Troy Brown is playing corner, and Martz doesn't take advantage. And the Ram D was lousy, letting Brady do anything he wanted.
Elsewhere, the Giants layed an egg against the Bears. That's one of the puzzlers of the year. The Lions are showing themselves to be pretenders. Green Bay's now tied for second.
Seattle won, although they've only sort of righted the ship. Tampa pulled it out against KC. KC is just like they were last year. At Arrowhead they can mask their deficiencies, but on the road they most likely will lose. Tampa's still very much in the playoff hunt.
The Jets played pretty sorry at Buffalo, though the Bills have become ok since McGahee took over for Henry. The Jets are in for a fall though, so that division has been handed to the exposed Patsies.
Baltimore got Jamal back and won, though the Browns are plucky. I would not be shocked if they beat the Steelers next week. Cincy whipped Dallas, but it's probably not enough. Denver got back on track, beating Houston surprisingly easily.
The Chargers are for real. Yeah, they played the woeful Saints (see ya Haslett), but they routed em. Brees is nuts!
Oakland won, but they're done anyway. Poor Carolina. The misery continues. Oh well, put large $$ on them being next year's turnaround team. Miami totally choked and lost to the Cards. Wannstedt might get fired this week. He'll be a coordinator somewhere next year.
Tomorrow night, the Vikings probably get taken behind the woodshed. No Moss? No hope.
Order was restored in St. Louis. Man, it was like super bowl 36 all over again. The officials were making blatantly wrong calls in favor of the Patsies. Or I guess you CAN recover a fumble when half your body is out of bounds.
And Martz once again showed why he is the WORST coach in the NFL. The Pats run D is awful, yet Faulk is again underused. Troy Brown is playing corner, and Martz doesn't take advantage. And the Ram D was lousy, letting Brady do anything he wanted.Elsewhere, the Giants layed an egg against the Bears. That's one of the puzzlers of the year. The Lions are showing themselves to be pretenders. Green Bay's now tied for second.
Seattle won, although they've only sort of righted the ship. Tampa pulled it out against KC. KC is just like they were last year. At Arrowhead they can mask their deficiencies, but on the road they most likely will lose. Tampa's still very much in the playoff hunt.
The Jets played pretty sorry at Buffalo, though the Bills have become ok since McGahee took over for Henry. The Jets are in for a fall though, so that division has been handed to the exposed Patsies.
Baltimore got Jamal back and won, though the Browns are plucky. I would not be shocked if they beat the Steelers next week. Cincy whipped Dallas, but it's probably not enough. Denver got back on track, beating Houston surprisingly easily.
The Chargers are for real. Yeah, they played the woeful Saints (see ya Haslett), but they routed em. Brees is nuts!
Oakland won, but they're done anyway. Poor Carolina. The misery continues. Oh well, put large $$ on them being next year's turnaround team. Miami totally choked and lost to the Cards. Wannstedt might get fired this week. He'll be a coordinator somewhere next year.
Tomorrow night, the Vikings probably get taken behind the woodshed. No Moss? No hope.
Vikings-Colts MNF:
COLTS 31
VIKINGS 28
Well, going on the road w/o Moss, with that defense up against Manning and his arsenal, I'd have expected a complete trouncing. But the Vikes showed some spine in this one. Of course, they also made enough mistakes to lose the game.
The offense was far from great, but they did eventually take advantage of that porous Colt defense. Onterrio got going in the 4th. Daunte ran!! They never run him anymore. Wiggins was rock solid. Burleson had a big game, with a TD catch and a splendid punt return TD.
The defense of the Vikes was mediocre at best. You can't allow 31 points and call it a good night, but frankly, I thought the Colts would hit 50, and would never punt. At least they stopped Indy a couple times. The line got Manning dancing around quite a bit. They just missed a couple interceptions.
But it just wasn't enough. Manning was outstanding, as he always is unless it's a game of consequence against the Patriots. James had a big game. Freeney crushed Daunte a couple times.
This team is well past the point of moral victories, but even in a loss I think they showed how they indeed are much better than last year. Next week's showdown at Lambeau shall be interesting.
VIKINGS 28
Well, going on the road w/o Moss, with that defense up against Manning and his arsenal, I'd have expected a complete trouncing. But the Vikes showed some spine in this one. Of course, they also made enough mistakes to lose the game.
The offense was far from great, but they did eventually take advantage of that porous Colt defense. Onterrio got going in the 4th. Daunte ran!! They never run him anymore. Wiggins was rock solid. Burleson had a big game, with a TD catch and a splendid punt return TD.
The defense of the Vikes was mediocre at best. You can't allow 31 points and call it a good night, but frankly, I thought the Colts would hit 50, and would never punt. At least they stopped Indy a couple times. The line got Manning dancing around quite a bit. They just missed a couple interceptions.
But it just wasn't enough. Manning was outstanding, as he always is unless it's a game of consequence against the Patriots. James had a big game. Freeney crushed Daunte a couple times.
This team is well past the point of moral victories, but even in a loss I think they showed how they indeed are much better than last year. Next week's showdown at Lambeau shall be interesting.
Week 10:
PACKERS 34
VIKINGS 31
This had to be the game of the year, and one of the all time Viking-Packer games. I haven't screamed at a game this much since last year's fateful super bowl.
The Vikings the last 2 weeks have shown real guts. They've made comebacks on the road against teams that are at least even with them, if not better. But while its earned them some respect (anyone who thinks this is 2003 redux now is a fool), it's also earned them 2 more losses and a tie for first.
Green Bay is the better team. But they DID have nearly every break go their way. I'm not even talking about the officiating, which was bad for both sides I think. I thought Ferguson had choked the game away for the Pack at the end. Somehow the Vikes couldn't fall on the ball. After that the outcome was already written in stone.
Daunte FINALLY showed some 4th quarter comeback skill. Perfect throw to Burleson, who dropped some, but who also made some big plays. He broke away from several sacks. He put himself back in the MVP race as far as I'm concerned. The Vikes didn't even try to run though. Where was Onterrio? At least Moe Williams had his best game of the year.
The defense was what they always are. They shut the Pack down a little in the 2nd half, but to me it seemed more like the Pack was kind of playing conservative. Favre was genius. The guy is my favorite player of all time. Ahman Green was great. Walker was great.
But the Vikes D did give em a shot at the end. Then they fell apart at the very end.
The Packers needed this game more anyway. Green Bay has a tougher schedule the rest of the way, while the Vikes should absolutely win their next 4 games (Detroit, Jacksonville, Chicago, Seattle). Plus, the Vikes will win the Christmas Eve rematch.
They HAVE to now.
Elsewhere...
The NFC of 2004 has to be the single worst conference since the merger. This conference is SO awful, that Arizona, Chicago and New Orleans are still very much in the playoff picture.
Atlanta stepped up and beat the rising Bucs. The Bucs are pretty much finished now, while the Falcons have basically clinched their division and look like a certain #2 seed.
Allow me to snicker at anyone who had Seattle in the super bowl. That team is the definition of mediocrity, as they sputter through a loss to the equally sorry Rams. Sadly, both teams may reach the playoffs.
The Giants are falling apart. Zona is again proving tough at home. Denny will be insufferable if he gets that bunch into the playoffs.
Detroit's awful right now, but they're still in it. The Saints have the talent to make a wild card surge, but I'll bet you anything that they'll blow one to a bad team real soon.
Lovie Smith might be coach of the year, having got the worst team in football to 4-5. How the hell have the Bears won 4 games?
The only NFC teams that are gone are Washington, San Fran, probably Tampa, and of course Carolina, although Delhomme FINALLY played a great game again.
In the AFC, the Steelers tower over everyone. I thought today might have been a pesky game, but they didn't have a hangover, and they went out and destroyed the punk Browns. And Big Ben made it through the whole game. They have a couple iffy games left, but they could run the table and get home field.
And they'll need to run the table, since we're back to the monotony of teams not even trying against New England. The Bills players should do the honorable thing and not even accept their game checks for that "effort." I've never seen a more pathetic display. I've always liked Bledsoe, but he should be benched. Give the rookie a shot. Might as well.
And the Patsies have been handed the division now, as the Jets dropped one to Baltimore. Granted, Carter played ok against the best defense in the NFL, but he blew it at the end. The Ravens stay in it, although catching Pittsburgh is unlikely.
Indy's heating up again, but the Jags keep pace w/o Leftwich. Houston's probably out of it at this point. The Titans are sorry, but w/o McNair they at least have an excuse. Although they might wanna consider getting a backup QB who can play.
KC is now completely finished. 3 games back of both Denver and San Diego. Cincy has quietly gotten back in it a little. In the NFC they'd have a real good chance, but in the AFC you're gonna need 10 wins for sure.
Here's how I see the playoff seedings for each conference right now:
NFC:
1-Eagles
2-Falcons
3-Vikings
4-Rams
5-Packers
6-Seahawks
AFC:
1-Steelers
2-Patriots
3-Colts
4-Chargers
5-Broncos
6-Ravens
VIKINGS 31
This had to be the game of the year, and one of the all time Viking-Packer games. I haven't screamed at a game this much since last year's fateful super bowl.
The Vikings the last 2 weeks have shown real guts. They've made comebacks on the road against teams that are at least even with them, if not better. But while its earned them some respect (anyone who thinks this is 2003 redux now is a fool), it's also earned them 2 more losses and a tie for first.
Green Bay is the better team. But they DID have nearly every break go their way. I'm not even talking about the officiating, which was bad for both sides I think. I thought Ferguson had choked the game away for the Pack at the end. Somehow the Vikes couldn't fall on the ball. After that the outcome was already written in stone.
Daunte FINALLY showed some 4th quarter comeback skill. Perfect throw to Burleson, who dropped some, but who also made some big plays. He broke away from several sacks. He put himself back in the MVP race as far as I'm concerned. The Vikes didn't even try to run though. Where was Onterrio? At least Moe Williams had his best game of the year.
The defense was what they always are. They shut the Pack down a little in the 2nd half, but to me it seemed more like the Pack was kind of playing conservative. Favre was genius. The guy is my favorite player of all time. Ahman Green was great. Walker was great.
But the Vikes D did give em a shot at the end. Then they fell apart at the very end.
The Packers needed this game more anyway. Green Bay has a tougher schedule the rest of the way, while the Vikes should absolutely win their next 4 games (Detroit, Jacksonville, Chicago, Seattle). Plus, the Vikes will win the Christmas Eve rematch.
They HAVE to now.
Elsewhere...
The NFC of 2004 has to be the single worst conference since the merger. This conference is SO awful, that Arizona, Chicago and New Orleans are still very much in the playoff picture.
Atlanta stepped up and beat the rising Bucs. The Bucs are pretty much finished now, while the Falcons have basically clinched their division and look like a certain #2 seed.
Allow me to snicker at anyone who had Seattle in the super bowl. That team is the definition of mediocrity, as they sputter through a loss to the equally sorry Rams. Sadly, both teams may reach the playoffs.
The Giants are falling apart. Zona is again proving tough at home. Denny will be insufferable if he gets that bunch into the playoffs.
Detroit's awful right now, but they're still in it. The Saints have the talent to make a wild card surge, but I'll bet you anything that they'll blow one to a bad team real soon.
Lovie Smith might be coach of the year, having got the worst team in football to 4-5. How the hell have the Bears won 4 games?
The only NFC teams that are gone are Washington, San Fran, probably Tampa, and of course Carolina, although Delhomme FINALLY played a great game again.
In the AFC, the Steelers tower over everyone. I thought today might have been a pesky game, but they didn't have a hangover, and they went out and destroyed the punk Browns. And Big Ben made it through the whole game. They have a couple iffy games left, but they could run the table and get home field.
And they'll need to run the table, since we're back to the monotony of teams not even trying against New England. The Bills players should do the honorable thing and not even accept their game checks for that "effort." I've never seen a more pathetic display. I've always liked Bledsoe, but he should be benched. Give the rookie a shot. Might as well.
And the Patsies have been handed the division now, as the Jets dropped one to Baltimore. Granted, Carter played ok against the best defense in the NFL, but he blew it at the end. The Ravens stay in it, although catching Pittsburgh is unlikely.
Indy's heating up again, but the Jags keep pace w/o Leftwich. Houston's probably out of it at this point. The Titans are sorry, but w/o McNair they at least have an excuse. Although they might wanna consider getting a backup QB who can play.
KC is now completely finished. 3 games back of both Denver and San Diego. Cincy has quietly gotten back in it a little. In the NFC they'd have a real good chance, but in the AFC you're gonna need 10 wins for sure.
Here's how I see the playoff seedings for each conference right now:
NFC:
1-Eagles
2-Falcons
3-Vikings
4-Rams
5-Packers
6-Seahawks
AFC:
1-Steelers
2-Patriots
3-Colts
4-Chargers
5-Broncos
6-Ravens
Week 11:
VIKINGS 22
LIONS 19
Well, now it DOES truly look like 2003. Specifically, this game looked like early 2003, when the Vikings won games based almost entirely on their opponents ineptitude.
They had absolutely no business winning this game. They were awful. They were far worse than they were in the last 2 weeks. But lucky for them, they were playing the comically inept Lions.
The run defense was pathetic, letting Kevin Jones go for 6 yard every time. But Joey Harrington (who you'll probably never see again) was miserable, and his dismal play let the Vikes make their comeback. Did anyone really think that last INT was a surprise?
Daunte was solid. Wiggins was big. Moe Williams was the star of the game, as he did something big on every touch. The kick team got it together after the opening return TD.
Yet they needed a big 4th quarter comeback to win. This was arguably their easiest game left, and they were beyond lucky to win. Not a good sign.
And it looked like the Packers were gonna blow it themselves. Down 13-3 to Houston, I was flashing back to that Thanksgiving game last year that the Pack gave away. But Favre made a sick TD throw to Driver. Longwell somehow snuck a FG through, and Green Bay kept pace.
Philly won easily. Atlanta somehow let their game against the Giants remain close. But they each furthered their leads. I think if Philly wins next week they clinch the division already. Seattle was a joke again, but lucky for them they were playing AJ Feeley. St. Louis remains a complete embarassment. They got throttled by Buffalo, who I guess wanted to play this week.
Arizona predictably lost big. The Saints got bombed. Tampa won big. Carolina's finally winning a little. Dallas just gets worse. Right now they're one of the 2 or 3 worst teams in football. Chicago was totally revealed as frauds.
In the AFC, Pittsburgh had some trouble with Cincy but won. Both Denver and San Diego won, but the Chargers were a bit sloppy. The Jets got a badly needed win. The Colts are gonna run away with the south. The Jags are in big trouble if they don't get Leftwich back soon.
There's gonna be 2 or 3 deeply mediocre playoff teams in the NFC, and there are gonna be 2 or 3 real solid teams that don't make the playoffs in the AFC.
LIONS 19
Well, now it DOES truly look like 2003. Specifically, this game looked like early 2003, when the Vikings won games based almost entirely on their opponents ineptitude.
They had absolutely no business winning this game. They were awful. They were far worse than they were in the last 2 weeks. But lucky for them, they were playing the comically inept Lions.
The run defense was pathetic, letting Kevin Jones go for 6 yard every time. But Joey Harrington (who you'll probably never see again) was miserable, and his dismal play let the Vikes make their comeback. Did anyone really think that last INT was a surprise?
Daunte was solid. Wiggins was big. Moe Williams was the star of the game, as he did something big on every touch. The kick team got it together after the opening return TD.
Yet they needed a big 4th quarter comeback to win. This was arguably their easiest game left, and they were beyond lucky to win. Not a good sign.
And it looked like the Packers were gonna blow it themselves. Down 13-3 to Houston, I was flashing back to that Thanksgiving game last year that the Pack gave away. But Favre made a sick TD throw to Driver. Longwell somehow snuck a FG through, and Green Bay kept pace.
Philly won easily. Atlanta somehow let their game against the Giants remain close. But they each furthered their leads. I think if Philly wins next week they clinch the division already. Seattle was a joke again, but lucky for them they were playing AJ Feeley. St. Louis remains a complete embarassment. They got throttled by Buffalo, who I guess wanted to play this week.
Arizona predictably lost big. The Saints got bombed. Tampa won big. Carolina's finally winning a little. Dallas just gets worse. Right now they're one of the 2 or 3 worst teams in football. Chicago was totally revealed as frauds.
In the AFC, Pittsburgh had some trouble with Cincy but won. Both Denver and San Diego won, but the Chargers were a bit sloppy. The Jets got a badly needed win. The Colts are gonna run away with the south. The Jags are in big trouble if they don't get Leftwich back soon.
There's gonna be 2 or 3 deeply mediocre playoff teams in the NFC, and there are gonna be 2 or 3 real solid teams that don't make the playoffs in the AFC.
Week 12:
VIKINGS 27
JAGUARS 16
The Vikings are 7-4, but I still have no idea what kind of team they are. Today they were just good enough to beat a fading Jacksonville team, albeit barely. But the last two wins have not been impressive, so how can I trust them to go on the road and win?
Moss's return was solid. He made a sick TD grab, but he can't go deep. Smith had a good game. Daunte is the clear #2 for MVP at this point. The defensive line has become a real threat. Udeze is an all-rookie teamer for sure, and Kevin Williams may be the best they've had since John Randle.
But yet, with just over 2 minutes to go, the Vikes were on the verge of losing. Fortunately, Byron Leftwich was a statue and had no feel for the rush, and he lost the ball and the game was over.
I like Leftwich a lot, but come on, the guy clearly should not have been paying on that knee. He's not Mike Vick, but he's able to move. Not today. He was like Bernie Kosar in there. And the Jags played into the Vikings hands with some absurd penalties, dropped passes, and bad play calls. Taylor was killing them running outside, but then on every big play he was sent right up the middle for no gain.
But the Vikes at least played an actual competent team this week. But is there any reason to believe they won't illogically struggle against the Bears next week? No. It makes zero sense. They should crush the Bears by 4 touchdowns, yet won't.
But the NFC is so sorry, that the Vikes cannot possibly miss the playoffs this year. Actually, god bless the NFC's mediocrity. With 5 weeks left, almost every playoff team in both conferences is pretty certain. There's only maybe 4 spots up for grabs still.
In the sorry NFC, the Eagles and Falcons are running away with the top 2 seeds. Philly's D is becoming dominant. I love seeing Eli get his ass kicked. The Giants fall is basically putting them out of it. Atlanta got a game from the surprisingly gutty Saints, but won. Atlanta is underrated. They aren't 9-2 by accident.
Then you've got the Vikes and Green Bay (who luckily will now catch Philly w/o as much to play for). Both will make it in.
And then there is that hysterical NFC west. Seattle is laughable. They get crushed 38-9 at home by Buffalo, the same Buffalo team that did not show up against New England. But Seattle almost can't miss the playoffs, unless the Rams catch them.
Improbably, the Panthers are now very much alive for that #6 spot. They're just a game back of the Rams (assuming they lose tomorrow night), and have a home game against the Rams still to come. Plus, they're actually playing well, unlike Dallas, New Orleans (who are allergic to winning in December), Arizona (great QB switch, Denny)![]()
and the Giants (who may not win again). You've also got Tampa, Chicago and Detroit at 4-7, but only Tampa of those has any prayer of getting to at least 8-8.
The AFC is also rather decided, although better teams are involved.
The Steelers are efficiently sleepwalking through some cupcake teams.
The Patriots continue to benefit from endless good fortune. They get KC w/o Holmes. They get Baltimore w/o Lewis. And again they get to piggyback on the weather. Boller regressed big time in that game too.
Indy is gonna win the south easily now.
The west is now the Chargers to lose! I thought they might get tripped up by KC, but Brees continues to go off. And in a classic game, Denver got upset by Oakland. Collins goes for 300+ and 4 TDs in the snow!![]()
Shoulda started him. And Denver basically played for a 40 yard FG at the end, which was idiotic. But Denver's still in good shape if they win next week.
Then there are the Jets, who won ugly again, but I thought they'd lose in Arizona. Had they not screwed up against the Ravens, they'd still have a shot at the division.
The Ravens were crap on sunday. They have the best defense in the league, but if Jamal stays out, they might be out.
The Jaguars won't catch them though. The team I saw today is not a playoff team.
And then there are teams like Houston and Cincinnati and even Buffalo, who would have a shot in the NFC, but in the AFC they basically can't afford to lose again.
I wish I coulda seen the Bengals-Browns game. 58-48![]()
Gee, I'm so glad I started the Bengal defense. At least they ran a pick back.
In more fantasy complaining, screw you Domanick Davis! You do nothing all year then have a huge day against me.![]()
But at least Bettis got another start.
JAGUARS 16
The Vikings are 7-4, but I still have no idea what kind of team they are. Today they were just good enough to beat a fading Jacksonville team, albeit barely. But the last two wins have not been impressive, so how can I trust them to go on the road and win?
Moss's return was solid. He made a sick TD grab, but he can't go deep. Smith had a good game. Daunte is the clear #2 for MVP at this point. The defensive line has become a real threat. Udeze is an all-rookie teamer for sure, and Kevin Williams may be the best they've had since John Randle.
But yet, with just over 2 minutes to go, the Vikes were on the verge of losing. Fortunately, Byron Leftwich was a statue and had no feel for the rush, and he lost the ball and the game was over.
I like Leftwich a lot, but come on, the guy clearly should not have been paying on that knee. He's not Mike Vick, but he's able to move. Not today. He was like Bernie Kosar in there. And the Jags played into the Vikings hands with some absurd penalties, dropped passes, and bad play calls. Taylor was killing them running outside, but then on every big play he was sent right up the middle for no gain.
But the Vikes at least played an actual competent team this week. But is there any reason to believe they won't illogically struggle against the Bears next week? No. It makes zero sense. They should crush the Bears by 4 touchdowns, yet won't.
But the NFC is so sorry, that the Vikes cannot possibly miss the playoffs this year. Actually, god bless the NFC's mediocrity. With 5 weeks left, almost every playoff team in both conferences is pretty certain. There's only maybe 4 spots up for grabs still.
In the sorry NFC, the Eagles and Falcons are running away with the top 2 seeds. Philly's D is becoming dominant. I love seeing Eli get his ass kicked. The Giants fall is basically putting them out of it. Atlanta got a game from the surprisingly gutty Saints, but won. Atlanta is underrated. They aren't 9-2 by accident.
Then you've got the Vikes and Green Bay (who luckily will now catch Philly w/o as much to play for). Both will make it in.
And then there is that hysterical NFC west. Seattle is laughable. They get crushed 38-9 at home by Buffalo, the same Buffalo team that did not show up against New England. But Seattle almost can't miss the playoffs, unless the Rams catch them.
Improbably, the Panthers are now very much alive for that #6 spot. They're just a game back of the Rams (assuming they lose tomorrow night), and have a home game against the Rams still to come. Plus, they're actually playing well, unlike Dallas, New Orleans (who are allergic to winning in December), Arizona (great QB switch, Denny)
and the Giants (who may not win again). You've also got Tampa, Chicago and Detroit at 4-7, but only Tampa of those has any prayer of getting to at least 8-8.The AFC is also rather decided, although better teams are involved.
The Steelers are efficiently sleepwalking through some cupcake teams.
The Patriots continue to benefit from endless good fortune. They get KC w/o Holmes. They get Baltimore w/o Lewis. And again they get to piggyback on the weather. Boller regressed big time in that game too.
Indy is gonna win the south easily now.
The west is now the Chargers to lose! I thought they might get tripped up by KC, but Brees continues to go off. And in a classic game, Denver got upset by Oakland. Collins goes for 300+ and 4 TDs in the snow!
Shoulda started him. And Denver basically played for a 40 yard FG at the end, which was idiotic. But Denver's still in good shape if they win next week.Then there are the Jets, who won ugly again, but I thought they'd lose in Arizona. Had they not screwed up against the Ravens, they'd still have a shot at the division.
The Ravens were crap on sunday. They have the best defense in the league, but if Jamal stays out, they might be out.
The Jaguars won't catch them though. The team I saw today is not a playoff team.
And then there are teams like Houston and Cincinnati and even Buffalo, who would have a shot in the NFC, but in the AFC they basically can't afford to lose again.
I wish I coulda seen the Bengals-Browns game. 58-48
Gee, I'm so glad I started the Bengal defense. At least they ran a pick back.In more fantasy complaining, screw you Domanick Davis! You do nothing all year then have a huge day against me.
But at least Bettis got another start.The Packers crushed the Rams tonight. They've basically clinched a playoff spot now. They were helped immensely by the mistake happy Rams, and a ridiculous fake field goal that everyone could smell coming. The refs totally screwed the Packers on that "timeout" but it did not matter.
Being the rube that I am, I went through the schedules of all the 4-7 and 5-6 teams, plus Seattle, to predict their final records. From what I saw, most of these teams will win only 1 or 2 more games.
Chicago...4-12
Detroit...6-10
Giants...6-10 (assuming they don't go back to Warner)
Cowboys...6-10
Saints...5-11
Buccaneers...6-10
Cardinals...6-10
Which leaves 3 teams for 2 spots. I have Seattle going 9-7 and winning the west. I have the Rams going 7-9. And I have Carolina going 8-8. It ain't much, but it would mean the Panthers would indeed make the playoffs. In 2 weeks. the Panthers host the Rams. That game will possibly decide who goes.
Being the rube that I am, I went through the schedules of all the 4-7 and 5-6 teams, plus Seattle, to predict their final records. From what I saw, most of these teams will win only 1 or 2 more games.
Chicago...4-12
Detroit...6-10
Giants...6-10 (assuming they don't go back to Warner)
Cowboys...6-10
Saints...5-11
Buccaneers...6-10
Cardinals...6-10
Which leaves 3 teams for 2 spots. I have Seattle going 9-7 and winning the west. I have the Rams going 7-9. And I have Carolina going 8-8. It ain't much, but it would mean the Panthers would indeed make the playoffs. In 2 weeks. the Panthers host the Rams. That game will possibly decide who goes.
Week 13:
BEARS 24
VIKINGS 14
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Well, I've gone back and forth with this for weeks. No more. Now I know for sure. After today's debacle at Soldier Field, there is no longer any doubt that this team is EXACTLY the same as last year's team. They're even gonna likely finish with the same record. And in the retarded NFC, they'll still make the playoffs.
I DO NOT WANT THE VIKINGS IN THE PLAYOFFS
They do not deserve to go. They made reject Chad Hutchinson look like Peyton Manning today. The Bears played maybe the worst offensive game in NFL history on Thanksgiving, but were it not for a couple dumb dropped passes and a clutzy fumble they would have put about 40 points on the board. All that progress the Vikes D had been making? Wiped away in one afternoon.
And once again, this offense goes out onto a grass field and forgets how to play. I won't dump on Daunte too much, cuz 2 of those picks were not his fault. One was a drop, and one was just a fantastic play by Urlacher. But Moss was a complete non-factor. His fumble was ridiculous. The offensive line practically killed Daunte at times. And the one bright spot, Onterrio Smith, was barely used. Morten Andersen should be put out to pasture.
The Bears have a pretty good defense, but its not a dominant unit. If the Vikes had any character at all, they'd have gone out there today and won by 28 points. You go out there and stomp on a bad team. I picked the Vikes to go to the super bowl this year because I naively assumed they'd have learned from games like last year's loss at Chicago. They have not.
Here is how the last 4 weeks play out. They lose at Detroit and Washington. They win at home against Seattle and Green Bay. They back into the playoffs, doing just enough to assure Mike Tice returns as head coach a job he has proven incapable of deserving.
Green Bay could have made the Vikings pay for their inexcusable defeat, but instead they were pasted at Philly. 47-3 at one point. Hey, it could've been 100-0 and the Pack embarassment level STILL could not have approached the Vikes level of shame. It was a bad, bad loss, but Philly showed they may be the NFL's best team. It was one of the season's most impressive wins.
The Steelers eeked one out. Scooby-Doo almost drilled a 60 yarder at the end, which would have destroyed the entire AFC season. Clearly New England, what with their grueling schedule of bad teams and easy home games, will go 15-1. So the Steelers can't afford a loss. But their secondary almost lost it. I've never seen such wide open receivers. But Cowher was forced to let Big Ben actually PLAY, and he was superb on that last drive. Though I was sure Reed would miss the FG.
New England won big again. Yawn. Look, they deserve credit for going out there and annihilating the lousy teams when they should. A certain purple-clad team can't do it. But the cupcake schedule really irks me. Teams like the Bengals have had MUCH tougher schedules.
Speaking of the Bengals, they're back in the playoff race! I think we can finally halt any Carson Palmer bashing. A big comeback on the road against the NFL's best defense should silence all doubters. Suddenly the Ravens are on the bubble.
The Jets are pulling away. Indy continues to roll. I really liked Jeff Fisher's onside kick idea.
San Diego now really has control of the west. Denver is stumbling, although Plummer's picks were also not all on him. Aside from the Pats, I like every team that's gonna make the AFC playoffs. Who to root for?
The Jags are stil alive, but their miracles ain't happening anymore. Buffalo is somehow 6-6 too. But at least the race isn't quite so decided now.
And then there is the fun old NFC. Philly is running away with it of course.
Atlanta will still win the south, but they didn't show up.
The Vikes and Packers will each make the playoffs. The X-mas eve game is the only game left the Pack could really lose.
Seattle will probably win the west. Someone has to.
The Rams are 6-6, but of all the contending pretenders they have by far the toughest schedule left.
I'd say the Giants, Saints, Cardinals, Lions and Bears can be ruled out. Believe me, Hutchinson will suck next week. As for the Giants, the move to Manning should cost Coughlin his job. I'm sorry, but he sabotaged his team.
And here comes Carolina and Tampa Bay! They play again in a few weeks down in Tampa, which could decide the last playoff spot. I want the Panthers in. Show me a team with more guts and character than they have. Half their team goes down with injuries, but they've kept fighting and are peaking. Delhomme is finally playing like he did when he exposed the Patriots last February. Muhammad has been a fantasy pickup from heaven.
Tampa is also playing really good though. On a good day that defense is still elite. Both these teams deserve to make it more than the Vikes do, that's for sure.
VIKINGS 14
Well, I've gone back and forth with this for weeks. No more. Now I know for sure. After today's debacle at Soldier Field, there is no longer any doubt that this team is EXACTLY the same as last year's team. They're even gonna likely finish with the same record. And in the retarded NFC, they'll still make the playoffs.I DO NOT WANT THE VIKINGS IN THE PLAYOFFS
They do not deserve to go. They made reject Chad Hutchinson look like Peyton Manning today. The Bears played maybe the worst offensive game in NFL history on Thanksgiving, but were it not for a couple dumb dropped passes and a clutzy fumble they would have put about 40 points on the board. All that progress the Vikes D had been making? Wiped away in one afternoon.
And once again, this offense goes out onto a grass field and forgets how to play. I won't dump on Daunte too much, cuz 2 of those picks were not his fault. One was a drop, and one was just a fantastic play by Urlacher. But Moss was a complete non-factor. His fumble was ridiculous. The offensive line practically killed Daunte at times. And the one bright spot, Onterrio Smith, was barely used. Morten Andersen should be put out to pasture.
The Bears have a pretty good defense, but its not a dominant unit. If the Vikes had any character at all, they'd have gone out there today and won by 28 points. You go out there and stomp on a bad team. I picked the Vikes to go to the super bowl this year because I naively assumed they'd have learned from games like last year's loss at Chicago. They have not.
Here is how the last 4 weeks play out. They lose at Detroit and Washington. They win at home against Seattle and Green Bay. They back into the playoffs, doing just enough to assure Mike Tice returns as head coach a job he has proven incapable of deserving.
Green Bay could have made the Vikings pay for their inexcusable defeat, but instead they were pasted at Philly. 47-3 at one point. Hey, it could've been 100-0 and the Pack embarassment level STILL could not have approached the Vikes level of shame. It was a bad, bad loss, but Philly showed they may be the NFL's best team. It was one of the season's most impressive wins.
The Steelers eeked one out. Scooby-Doo almost drilled a 60 yarder at the end, which would have destroyed the entire AFC season. Clearly New England, what with their grueling schedule of bad teams and easy home games, will go 15-1. So the Steelers can't afford a loss. But their secondary almost lost it. I've never seen such wide open receivers. But Cowher was forced to let Big Ben actually PLAY, and he was superb on that last drive. Though I was sure Reed would miss the FG.
New England won big again. Yawn. Look, they deserve credit for going out there and annihilating the lousy teams when they should. A certain purple-clad team can't do it. But the cupcake schedule really irks me. Teams like the Bengals have had MUCH tougher schedules.
Speaking of the Bengals, they're back in the playoff race! I think we can finally halt any Carson Palmer bashing. A big comeback on the road against the NFL's best defense should silence all doubters. Suddenly the Ravens are on the bubble.
The Jets are pulling away. Indy continues to roll. I really liked Jeff Fisher's onside kick idea.
San Diego now really has control of the west. Denver is stumbling, although Plummer's picks were also not all on him. Aside from the Pats, I like every team that's gonna make the AFC playoffs. Who to root for?
The Jags are stil alive, but their miracles ain't happening anymore. Buffalo is somehow 6-6 too. But at least the race isn't quite so decided now.
And then there is the fun old NFC. Philly is running away with it of course.
Atlanta will still win the south, but they didn't show up.
The Vikes and Packers will each make the playoffs. The X-mas eve game is the only game left the Pack could really lose.
Seattle will probably win the west. Someone has to.
The Rams are 6-6, but of all the contending pretenders they have by far the toughest schedule left.
I'd say the Giants, Saints, Cardinals, Lions and Bears can be ruled out. Believe me, Hutchinson will suck next week. As for the Giants, the move to Manning should cost Coughlin his job. I'm sorry, but he sabotaged his team.
And here comes Carolina and Tampa Bay! They play again in a few weeks down in Tampa, which could decide the last playoff spot. I want the Panthers in. Show me a team with more guts and character than they have. Half their team goes down with injuries, but they've kept fighting and are peaking. Delhomme is finally playing like he did when he exposed the Patriots last February. Muhammad has been a fantasy pickup from heaven.
Tampa is also playing really good though. On a good day that defense is still elite. Both these teams deserve to make it more than the Vikes do, that's for sure.
Wow, the Seahawks just peed down their legs in an epic way. Now it is all but certain the NFC west winner will have no better than an 8-8 record.
Seattle's next 2 games are at the Vikings and at the Jets. I'd be shocked if they won either. Then they presumably win at home against Arizona and Atlanta, who may not have any reason to play that game.
St. Louis is 6-6, but they have a very tough schedule the rest of the way. I think they'll be lucky to split their games.
Dallas is with Carolina and Tampa as 5-7 teams with a real shot, now that Julius Jones looks like the next big star running back.
Seattle's next 2 games are at the Vikings and at the Jets. I'd be shocked if they won either. Then they presumably win at home against Arizona and Atlanta, who may not have any reason to play that game.
St. Louis is 6-6, but they have a very tough schedule the rest of the way. I think they'll be lucky to split their games.
Dallas is with Carolina and Tampa as 5-7 teams with a real shot, now that Julius Jones looks like the next big star running back.
Week 14:
SEAHAWKS 27
VIKINGS 23
Every year they come so close to winning. Things look great for a while, but then no matter what happens, the outcome is always the same, i.e. a complete disaster at the end.
But enough about my fantasy team.
The 2004 Vikings are the most disappointing Viking team possibly ever. 3 months ago I thought they would make the super bowl. Now with 3 weeks left, there exists the very distinct possibility they will complete a collapse every bit as ridiculous as last year.
After today's latest debacle, I'm not sure they'll win another game. I mean, I cannot even count on them to skate by at home now. And considering how they play like a Patriot opponent on the road, this was their easiest game left.
The Moss pass. If you want a play that encapsulates Tice's entire tenure, this was it. Ok, the coordinator called the play, but that's Tice's guy. That was easily the dumbest play call I have ever seen. What game were they watching? Seattle could not stop the Vikings at that point. It was GUARANTEED they'd get the go ahead TD just by not making a colossal mistake.
Seattle is the definition of mediocrity. They were begging to lose again. Even on that final play they were inches from losing. The Vikings never get those inches. Of course, they would not have needed those inches if Seahawk receivers had not been open by miles all day long. The Vikings have played the exact same pass defense for ten years.
When the game was 10-0, the Vikings should've stomped on Seattle's throat. But somehow they refused to carve up the average Seattle D. Onterrio continues to run through everybody, only to be ignored, or replaced now by Bennett???
I said this last week, and I'll say it again. I do not want the Vikings to make the playoffs. Fire Tice. Fire Lenihan. These people are squandering one of the most talented teams in the NFL. I would love to get Romeo Crenell or someone like that in here as coach. Get someone who is defensive-minded, but who knows he'll have great offensive talent.
And it looked like Green Bay was gonna bail the Vikes out. Down 13-0 at Lambeau to sorry Detroit? Favre made the comeback, and got the win. I think the Pack clinch a playoff spot with a win next week.
Props to the Bengals. They lost, but they actually showed up, which most Patriot opponents do not do. And of course, Palmer gets knocked out by injury because the Pats always get every break. But yeah, Corey Dillon is class. I'm really rooting for him to suceed.![]()
I hope he tears his ACL next week.
As I said weeks ago, the Panthers will make the playoffs. 6-7 now, with the Rams heading for oblivion. Chris Chandler's a long way from beating the Vikes in the NFC championship.
What happened to Dallas?? That was shocking. But you know the Saints won't make a push. Tampa lost at Diego, but played fairly well. Chicago was exposed. The Giants continue to melt down. Even now they could go back to Warner and have a chance. Detroit's done, but they'll be strong next year if Harrington pulls a Drew Brees.
In the AFC, the Steelers continue to impress. Big Ben never puts up numbers, but every time he needs to make a play he does it. That Jet D is real solid too. Bettis threw more TD passes than Collins did today.![]()
Indy clinched the south on cruise control. San Diego avoided a letdown.
Baltimore has a rough schedule left, but with that D they always have a shot.
Denver's not doing well right now, even though they won.
Jacksonville still has a shot, but only if they win at Lambeau.
Buffalo is the hot team. Maybe if they'd shown up in one of the Patriot games they'd be in the driver's seat.
Cincy's loss basically eliminates them, unless they run the table and tie Denver.
VIKINGS 23
Every year they come so close to winning. Things look great for a while, but then no matter what happens, the outcome is always the same, i.e. a complete disaster at the end.
But enough about my fantasy team.
The 2004 Vikings are the most disappointing Viking team possibly ever. 3 months ago I thought they would make the super bowl. Now with 3 weeks left, there exists the very distinct possibility they will complete a collapse every bit as ridiculous as last year.
After today's latest debacle, I'm not sure they'll win another game. I mean, I cannot even count on them to skate by at home now. And considering how they play like a Patriot opponent on the road, this was their easiest game left.
The Moss pass. If you want a play that encapsulates Tice's entire tenure, this was it. Ok, the coordinator called the play, but that's Tice's guy. That was easily the dumbest play call I have ever seen. What game were they watching? Seattle could not stop the Vikings at that point. It was GUARANTEED they'd get the go ahead TD just by not making a colossal mistake.
Seattle is the definition of mediocrity. They were begging to lose again. Even on that final play they were inches from losing. The Vikings never get those inches. Of course, they would not have needed those inches if Seahawk receivers had not been open by miles all day long. The Vikings have played the exact same pass defense for ten years.
When the game was 10-0, the Vikings should've stomped on Seattle's throat. But somehow they refused to carve up the average Seattle D. Onterrio continues to run through everybody, only to be ignored, or replaced now by Bennett???
I said this last week, and I'll say it again. I do not want the Vikings to make the playoffs. Fire Tice. Fire Lenihan. These people are squandering one of the most talented teams in the NFL. I would love to get Romeo Crenell or someone like that in here as coach. Get someone who is defensive-minded, but who knows he'll have great offensive talent.
And it looked like Green Bay was gonna bail the Vikes out. Down 13-0 at Lambeau to sorry Detroit? Favre made the comeback, and got the win. I think the Pack clinch a playoff spot with a win next week.
Props to the Bengals. They lost, but they actually showed up, which most Patriot opponents do not do. And of course, Palmer gets knocked out by injury because the Pats always get every break. But yeah, Corey Dillon is class. I'm really rooting for him to suceed.
I hope he tears his ACL next week.As I said weeks ago, the Panthers will make the playoffs. 6-7 now, with the Rams heading for oblivion. Chris Chandler's a long way from beating the Vikes in the NFC championship.
What happened to Dallas?? That was shocking. But you know the Saints won't make a push. Tampa lost at Diego, but played fairly well. Chicago was exposed. The Giants continue to melt down. Even now they could go back to Warner and have a chance. Detroit's done, but they'll be strong next year if Harrington pulls a Drew Brees.
In the AFC, the Steelers continue to impress. Big Ben never puts up numbers, but every time he needs to make a play he does it. That Jet D is real solid too. Bettis threw more TD passes than Collins did today.
Indy clinched the south on cruise control. San Diego avoided a letdown.Baltimore has a rough schedule left, but with that D they always have a shot.
Denver's not doing well right now, even though they won.
Jacksonville still has a shot, but only if they win at Lambeau.
Buffalo is the hot team. Maybe if they'd shown up in one of the Patriot games they'd be in the driver's seat.
Cincy's loss basically eliminates them, unless they run the table and tie Denver.
Week 15 (Saturday games):
WHEW!
Up in the Meadowlands, the entire NFL season (or the AFC at least) almost went up in flames. I did not get to see this game cuz I was working, but at one point I caught the score at 24-23 Giants. WHAT?? Thank god the Steelers got the win, but they picked a bad time to not show up on defense.
But they stay on top for home field. If they get it, the Pats have to beat the Colts AND win at Pittsburgh.
Panthers-Falcons was one of the games of the year. Vick was ridiculous. Delhomme and Muhammad were superb. Ugh, but then apparantly Scott Linehan started calling the Panthers plays at the end of regulation. And Jake heaved a hideous pass that sealed the game. It may have sealed Carolina's fate too, but a win next week puts em in real good shape given the tiebreakers. This game made it just a little more likely the Vikings will back into the playoffs.
The Redskins and 49ers also played a game, I guess.
Up in the Meadowlands, the entire NFL season (or the AFC at least) almost went up in flames. I did not get to see this game cuz I was working, but at one point I caught the score at 24-23 Giants. WHAT?? Thank god the Steelers got the win, but they picked a bad time to not show up on defense.
But they stay on top for home field. If they get it, the Pats have to beat the Colts AND win at Pittsburgh.
Panthers-Falcons was one of the games of the year. Vick was ridiculous. Delhomme and Muhammad were superb. Ugh, but then apparantly Scott Linehan started calling the Panthers plays at the end of regulation. And Jake heaved a hideous pass that sealed the game. It may have sealed Carolina's fate too, but a win next week puts em in real good shape given the tiebreakers. This game made it just a little more likely the Vikings will back into the playoffs.
The Redskins and 49ers also played a game, I guess.
Sunday:
VIKINGS 28
LIONS 27
What can I say? The Vikings have completely regressed into being a total embarrassment of a team. The only way they are able to win games anymore is if their opponent completely self-destructs and hands it to them. This was a new classic. It also shows again the utter joke the NFC is, since there is almost zero mathematical chance that this JV team will not make the playoffs.
I predicted the botched extra point at the end. I did. I thought it'd be a miss, but I knew the game would not go 28-28. That's because the Lions are right there with Cleveland and the Niners as the worst teams in football. Joey Harrington played an atrocious game, and if Mariucci wanted to win he'd have benched him early. Yet the guy ended up with good stats. THAT is how hideous the Viking pass defense is.
The offense sputtered again. Daunte was ok, but he was running for his life a lot of the time. Michael Bennett played solid. Moe Williams was clutch. Burleson was good.
But once again the Vikings played terrible as a whole. At 14-3, any team with a shred of dignity or pride would go on to complete a rout against an awful team. Not the Vikes though. They were in a giving mood, and let that horrid offense match them score for score the rest of the game. Roy Williams is the one good player on that team.
The Vikings will never become legit. The Chicago game forever removed that possibility. Yet with a win against Green Bay, they'll actually win a division title. And frankly, the Packers don't deserve it any more than they do.
The Packers have now played 3 terrible games in a row. I know the Jaguars are a good team, but to lose that game was terrible. Ahman Green continues to prove himself very overrated, as he fumbles all the time, and seemingly always in the red zone. Favre had one of those games, where he threw dismal interceptions. Longwell shanked a short FG. Fred Taylor had his best game in years. They might end up with a better record on the road than at Lambeau.
I've flip-flopped. I think the Vikings win on Christmas Eve. Both them and Green Bay are undeserving of playoff spots at this point. But it appears the Vikings are more likely to have the game handed to them. I predict 3 Ahman Green fumbles.
(exhale)
Anyway, Philly got a scare, but they got home field now. So even if Owens is hurt, he can sit for a few weeks.
Seattle remains funny. St. Louis remains completely absurd.
Carolina is back in good shape now. A win next week and a Rams loss to Philly pretty much wraps it up for them.
Surprisingly, the Saints are winning in December. Were they to beat the Panthers, they'd still have a shot.
Rest in peace Dallas, Tampa, Chicago and Detroit.
In the AFC, Indy kept rolling. Alas we must hear about the TD record for another week.
San Diego wrapped up the west. I believe I picked them to have the worst record in football. They might be THE most surprising team ever.
The wild card race is fun. The Jets are all but in.
The Jags, Ravens, Broncos and Bills are all 8-6. Denver is finished, cause they still have to play Indy. And the Jags seem to have tiebreakers on everybody. It looks like they're gonna get in.
Outside the playoff race, here's a big old thanks for nothing asshole to Kerry Collins. I start him and he seals my fantasy team's fate. I bench him again and he tosses 5.
LIONS 27
What can I say? The Vikings have completely regressed into being a total embarrassment of a team. The only way they are able to win games anymore is if their opponent completely self-destructs and hands it to them. This was a new classic. It also shows again the utter joke the NFC is, since there is almost zero mathematical chance that this JV team will not make the playoffs.
I predicted the botched extra point at the end. I did. I thought it'd be a miss, but I knew the game would not go 28-28. That's because the Lions are right there with Cleveland and the Niners as the worst teams in football. Joey Harrington played an atrocious game, and if Mariucci wanted to win he'd have benched him early. Yet the guy ended up with good stats. THAT is how hideous the Viking pass defense is.
The offense sputtered again. Daunte was ok, but he was running for his life a lot of the time. Michael Bennett played solid. Moe Williams was clutch. Burleson was good.
But once again the Vikings played terrible as a whole. At 14-3, any team with a shred of dignity or pride would go on to complete a rout against an awful team. Not the Vikes though. They were in a giving mood, and let that horrid offense match them score for score the rest of the game. Roy Williams is the one good player on that team.
The Vikings will never become legit. The Chicago game forever removed that possibility. Yet with a win against Green Bay, they'll actually win a division title. And frankly, the Packers don't deserve it any more than they do.
The Packers have now played 3 terrible games in a row. I know the Jaguars are a good team, but to lose that game was terrible. Ahman Green continues to prove himself very overrated, as he fumbles all the time, and seemingly always in the red zone. Favre had one of those games, where he threw dismal interceptions. Longwell shanked a short FG. Fred Taylor had his best game in years. They might end up with a better record on the road than at Lambeau.
I've flip-flopped. I think the Vikings win on Christmas Eve. Both them and Green Bay are undeserving of playoff spots at this point. But it appears the Vikings are more likely to have the game handed to them. I predict 3 Ahman Green fumbles.
(exhale)
Anyway, Philly got a scare, but they got home field now. So even if Owens is hurt, he can sit for a few weeks.
Seattle remains funny. St. Louis remains completely absurd.
Carolina is back in good shape now. A win next week and a Rams loss to Philly pretty much wraps it up for them.
Surprisingly, the Saints are winning in December. Were they to beat the Panthers, they'd still have a shot.
Rest in peace Dallas, Tampa, Chicago and Detroit.
In the AFC, Indy kept rolling. Alas we must hear about the TD record for another week.
San Diego wrapped up the west. I believe I picked them to have the worst record in football. They might be THE most surprising team ever.
The wild card race is fun. The Jets are all but in.
The Jags, Ravens, Broncos and Bills are all 8-6. Denver is finished, cause they still have to play Indy. And the Jags seem to have tiebreakers on everybody. It looks like they're gonna get in.
Outside the playoff race, here's a big old thanks for nothing asshole to Kerry Collins. I start him and he seals my fantasy team's fate. I bench him again and he tosses 5.
MNF:
OH YEAH! DOLPHINS! PATRIOTS EXPOSED YET AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME THEY LOSE!
I didn't watch much of the game. I can only stomach so much fellating of that soft punk Brady. But I caught the whole comeback at the end.
Once again the refs try to give the Pats the game, not calling a blatant interference in the end zone. But what a 4th down catch! JUSTICE!!
And it was pure joy to see Brady, the most perfect QB in NFL history, puke all over himself. First he does his best Aaron Brooks impression and tosses a pick while horizontal. Then he throws one up that ends the game! Perfect!
And Belichick, the best coach in NFL history, makes some idiotic decisions late in the game.
Props to Miami. The last 2 weeks, teams have stepped up and actually competed against the frauds. It's really no shock they choked. They never even get efforts from most of their opponents. They can't handle it when a team actually gives them a game. Now it is almost a lock that the Steelers get home field, and if the Chargers win their last 2 and the Pats lose to the Jets, New England will have to play the first weekend of the playoffs. Hmm, they'd maybe have to play Buffalo when Buffalo actually is competent. And the Jags just won in the cold.
And hey Troy Brown, I wouldn't change positions just yet.
I didn't watch much of the game. I can only stomach so much fellating of that soft punk Brady. But I caught the whole comeback at the end.
Once again the refs try to give the Pats the game, not calling a blatant interference in the end zone. But what a 4th down catch! JUSTICE!!
And it was pure joy to see Brady, the most perfect QB in NFL history, puke all over himself. First he does his best Aaron Brooks impression and tosses a pick while horizontal. Then he throws one up that ends the game! Perfect!
And Belichick, the best coach in NFL history, makes some idiotic decisions late in the game.
Props to Miami. The last 2 weeks, teams have stepped up and actually competed against the frauds. It's really no shock they choked. They never even get efforts from most of their opponents. They can't handle it when a team actually gives them a game. Now it is almost a lock that the Steelers get home field, and if the Chargers win their last 2 and the Pats lose to the Jets, New England will have to play the first weekend of the playoffs. Hmm, they'd maybe have to play Buffalo when Buffalo actually is competent. And the Jags just won in the cold.
And hey Troy Brown, I wouldn't change positions just yet.
Week 16 (Christmas Eve):
PACKERS 34
VIKINGS 31
The only thing that kept this game from being a classic was the mediocrity both teams displayed.
On Christmas Eve though, once and for all the 2004 Vikings were disposed of. Oh sure, they've got another game left and need about a half dozen other games to go just right to miss the playoffs. But they will simply become the worst Viking playoff team in history. And they will be quickly knocked out in round one (as will the Timberwolves this year, but that's another story).
All game long it felt like the Packers were just toying with the Vikings. The insistence on running over and over for short gains, the bizarre refusal to let Brett air it out against the same team that last week made Joey Harrington look like Bart Starr. Either that or the Packers are just a bad team themselves. But it felt like they should've been running away with it.
They would have if not for an embarassing collection of missed tackles. The Vikes might not have hit 20 points if Packer defenders tackled. Michael Bennett played his best game in 2 years, but he was aided by numerous whiffs.
Favre looked like the goat with that INT, and frankly, he was a disappointment in the game. That hour-long special FOX showed before the game only enhanced how inferior he is now compared to his old self. But Walker and especially Driver made great catches. Green wasn't great, but he didn't fumble.
Daunte set the Vikings single season TD record, and could hit 40 next week (but won't cause it'll be outdoors). Moss was not there. Bennett was great as I said. But again the offense vanished in the 2nd half.
The defense was atrocius every time the Packers didn't play into their hands. The Vikes were even the beneficiaries of some bad, bad calls. Driver was in on that catch at the end zone, and before the half the refs cost the Packers several seconds and a possible shot at the end zone. Plus a blatant interference on the last drive wasn't called.
This week, there was no bad snap to save this colossal disappointment of a team. This late season swoon might be worse than last year. At least last year they were blown out a lot. But this year they've lost close game after close game. They've found ways to lose and lose and lose.
I'm sure their upcoming playoff trip to either Green Bay or probably Seattle will feature another novel loss. Hey, maybe they can luck out and draw the Rams, cause they always play so well down there...er...oh hey, maybe the unthinkable will happen and they'll be going to Arizona, the site of that remarkable display of grit from last December...er...hell...
VIKINGS 31
The only thing that kept this game from being a classic was the mediocrity both teams displayed.
On Christmas Eve though, once and for all the 2004 Vikings were disposed of. Oh sure, they've got another game left and need about a half dozen other games to go just right to miss the playoffs. But they will simply become the worst Viking playoff team in history. And they will be quickly knocked out in round one (as will the Timberwolves this year, but that's another story).
All game long it felt like the Packers were just toying with the Vikings. The insistence on running over and over for short gains, the bizarre refusal to let Brett air it out against the same team that last week made Joey Harrington look like Bart Starr. Either that or the Packers are just a bad team themselves. But it felt like they should've been running away with it.
They would have if not for an embarassing collection of missed tackles. The Vikes might not have hit 20 points if Packer defenders tackled. Michael Bennett played his best game in 2 years, but he was aided by numerous whiffs.
Favre looked like the goat with that INT, and frankly, he was a disappointment in the game. That hour-long special FOX showed before the game only enhanced how inferior he is now compared to his old self. But Walker and especially Driver made great catches. Green wasn't great, but he didn't fumble.
Daunte set the Vikings single season TD record, and could hit 40 next week (but won't cause it'll be outdoors). Moss was not there. Bennett was great as I said. But again the offense vanished in the 2nd half.
The defense was atrocius every time the Packers didn't play into their hands. The Vikes were even the beneficiaries of some bad, bad calls. Driver was in on that catch at the end zone, and before the half the refs cost the Packers several seconds and a possible shot at the end zone. Plus a blatant interference on the last drive wasn't called.
This week, there was no bad snap to save this colossal disappointment of a team. This late season swoon might be worse than last year. At least last year they were blown out a lot. But this year they've lost close game after close game. They've found ways to lose and lose and lose.
I'm sure their upcoming playoff trip to either Green Bay or probably Seattle will feature another novel loss. Hey, maybe they can luck out and draw the Rams, cause they always play so well down there...er...oh hey, maybe the unthinkable will happen and they'll be going to Arizona, the site of that remarkable display of grit from last December...er...hell...
Sunday:
...and the Vikings STILL are not in, due to yet another big time effort from the Panthers and a shaky win by the Seahawks.
Muhsin Muhammad should be getting some MVP talk. He shouldn't win, but why not top ten? And Seattle nearly blew another one, but now are in the playoffs. They'll likely host the Vikes.
Or maybe not. The Rams need to win the last 2, and they have Bulger back. They get Philly, resting everybody, and then the Jets. Now, what a shocker that the Jets became the latest no-effort-giving Patriot opponent. No matter, the Steelers sewed up home field, so odds are the paper champs will have to win away from home to reach the super bowl, not to mention play Indy in their first game.
But the Rams might be able to win the last 2, and there's no reason to think the Panthers can't finish it off at home again the Saints (who caught a real break not having to face Vick today). So the Vikes must win at Washington. And the Skins only managed 10 points against sorry Dallas. You know what that means? I smell a career high TD and yardage game for Patrick Ramsey!
Manning finally got his record, though it took a while. That was really one of the best games of the year. Two damn fine teams both playing well. San Diego's gonna give Pitsburgh a tough playoff game.
The Jets are still likely in, though it would've helped their cause to show up today. AJ Feeley rips through that fraudulent secondary like a knife through butter, and Pennington is awful.
Denver's suddenly back in real good shape after crushing the Titans yesterday. Buffalo keeps rolling. The 49ers might be the worst team in many years. The Jaguars rather shockingly laid an egg, and got blanked by the Texans. Now they need a miracle, as do the Ravens. One wonders how the Ravens might have done if Boller got it together sooner.
Back in the NFC, thankfully all those 5-9 teams got eliminated.
The Saints might save Haslett's job, but they ain't got what Carolina's got. 1-7 to the playoffs is an irresistible story. And you know what? Carolina would beat Green Bay in Lambeau if that's how it winds up.
And, my fantasy teams were laid to rest for another year. Yep, I managed to pick the wrong QB in all 3 playoff weeks. I'm an idiot savant, only w/o the savant part.
Muhsin Muhammad should be getting some MVP talk. He shouldn't win, but why not top ten? And Seattle nearly blew another one, but now are in the playoffs. They'll likely host the Vikes.
Or maybe not. The Rams need to win the last 2, and they have Bulger back. They get Philly, resting everybody, and then the Jets. Now, what a shocker that the Jets became the latest no-effort-giving Patriot opponent. No matter, the Steelers sewed up home field, so odds are the paper champs will have to win away from home to reach the super bowl, not to mention play Indy in their first game.
But the Rams might be able to win the last 2, and there's no reason to think the Panthers can't finish it off at home again the Saints (who caught a real break not having to face Vick today). So the Vikes must win at Washington. And the Skins only managed 10 points against sorry Dallas. You know what that means? I smell a career high TD and yardage game for Patrick Ramsey!
Manning finally got his record, though it took a while. That was really one of the best games of the year. Two damn fine teams both playing well. San Diego's gonna give Pitsburgh a tough playoff game.
The Jets are still likely in, though it would've helped their cause to show up today. AJ Feeley rips through that fraudulent secondary like a knife through butter, and Pennington is awful.
Denver's suddenly back in real good shape after crushing the Titans yesterday. Buffalo keeps rolling. The 49ers might be the worst team in many years. The Jaguars rather shockingly laid an egg, and got blanked by the Texans. Now they need a miracle, as do the Ravens. One wonders how the Ravens might have done if Boller got it together sooner.
Back in the NFC, thankfully all those 5-9 teams got eliminated.
The Saints might save Haslett's job, but they ain't got what Carolina's got. 1-7 to the playoffs is an irresistible story. And you know what? Carolina would beat Green Bay in Lambeau if that's how it winds up.
And, my fantasy teams were laid to rest for another year. Yep, I managed to pick the wrong QB in all 3 playoff weeks. I'm an idiot savant, only w/o the savant part.
MNF (plus week 17 preview):
Ok, so with the Rams winning against the Eagles on MNF, we head into the final Sunday with the Vikings needing to still win to make the playoffs.
I am now gonna bore you silly with the different scenarios.
The Vikings are at Washington, and by all means they SHOULD win this game, especially with Clinton Portis out. But I think they'll lose. The Skins are playing good on defense at least, and it does not matter who the opposing QB is. The Vikes'll make him look great. And Ramsey is better than Harrington or Hutchinson.
So they need then a loss by either the Rams or Panthers. I don't think the Panthers lose at home to the Saints. They just did not come this far only to lose.
But then there are the Rams. They did not exactly crush the Eagles, even though by the 4th quarter they were being led by Jeff Blake (he's still in the league?) and former Gopher Thomas Tapeh. So its not that likely they'll beat the Jets, even though the Jets sucked balls last week. So the Vikes likely back into the playoffs.
What I really hope does not happen is the Panthers win and still don't get in. They could win, but if the Vikes and Rams win and Seattle loses, the Rams take the west and Seattle and Minny are the wild cards. As for Seattle, they'll be playing Vick, although I doubt he'll play the whole game.
In the AFC, the Jets and Broncos are each in with a win. The Bills are close. I won't even discuss the Jags and Ravens, since they need lots of losses to make it.
The Jets winning is probably more than likely.
As for Denver, they play Indy, who won't play the starters the whole game probably. And not to play the conspiracy angle, but Indy might WANT to lose. I mean, who'd you rather play in round one? Red hot Buffalo, or shaky Denver, who they just creamed in last year's playoffs? So Denver probably wins.
If not, Buffalo gets in, cause I'm sure they beat the Steelers, who'll also be resting everybody.
So if it all goes as I predicted, here is round one:
NFC:
Vikings at Packers
Panthers at Seahawks
AFC:
Jets at Chargers
Broncos at Colts
I am now gonna bore you silly with the different scenarios.
The Vikings are at Washington, and by all means they SHOULD win this game, especially with Clinton Portis out. But I think they'll lose. The Skins are playing good on defense at least, and it does not matter who the opposing QB is. The Vikes'll make him look great. And Ramsey is better than Harrington or Hutchinson.
So they need then a loss by either the Rams or Panthers. I don't think the Panthers lose at home to the Saints. They just did not come this far only to lose.
But then there are the Rams. They did not exactly crush the Eagles, even though by the 4th quarter they were being led by Jeff Blake (he's still in the league?) and former Gopher Thomas Tapeh. So its not that likely they'll beat the Jets, even though the Jets sucked balls last week. So the Vikes likely back into the playoffs.
What I really hope does not happen is the Panthers win and still don't get in. They could win, but if the Vikes and Rams win and Seattle loses, the Rams take the west and Seattle and Minny are the wild cards. As for Seattle, they'll be playing Vick, although I doubt he'll play the whole game.
In the AFC, the Jets and Broncos are each in with a win. The Bills are close. I won't even discuss the Jags and Ravens, since they need lots of losses to make it.
The Jets winning is probably more than likely.
As for Denver, they play Indy, who won't play the starters the whole game probably. And not to play the conspiracy angle, but Indy might WANT to lose. I mean, who'd you rather play in round one? Red hot Buffalo, or shaky Denver, who they just creamed in last year's playoffs? So Denver probably wins.
If not, Buffalo gets in, cause I'm sure they beat the Steelers, who'll also be resting everybody.
So if it all goes as I predicted, here is round one:
NFC:
Vikings at Packers
Panthers at Seahawks
AFC:
Jets at Chargers
Broncos at Colts
Week 17:
REDSKINS 21
VIQUEENS 18
Gee, what complete surprise, the Vikings come out and play like shit, and show absolutely no pride or heart, but in the end get bailed out and are in the playoffs, a place they are so undeserving of I don't even have the words for it.
Screw this pathetic team and its increasingly arrogant and incompetent head coach.
The opening kickoff was all I needed for confirmation that the Vikings decided not to show up today. Then Ramsey carves through the sorry ass secondary and it's 7-0. Boom, game over! This team was looking for an excuse to quit as early as possible. Once again the offense, despite being one of the league's most talented, does nothing, and even laughably blows a scoring chance at the half.
Once again Tice and his cronies get completely outcoached from minute one. The final was 21-18, but even that was misleading. Ramsey giftwrapped an INT and fumble to the Vikes, and the Vikes got a garbage TD at the end that meant nothing. The real score of this game was more like 30-10.
Randy Moss jumped the shark, maybe forever. He walks off the field before the game is over. What if by some miracle the Vikes had had a shot at a hail mary? Moss and his PHONY injury would've been in the locker room. Oh yes, he's milked whatever injury he had like a cow. He's not hurt, he's just found a cover story so he can not try to play. And Tice has always kissed his ass. You think a coach with any stature would stand for something like this? If McCombs wants to save money (that's all he's interested in), he should trade this punk for whatever he can get. Stop letting this selfish prick hold the team hostage.
And I also found the team's effort at the end completely horrible. They get the ball back with 2 minutes left, down 11. Sure, a miracle is needed, but they barely even tried a hurry-up offense. Clearly they had decided to quit playing, and had been scoreboard watching, and figured at least one of those other games would get them in. God forbid they have any sense of pride or shame, and try to salvage that latest debacle. But no, we'll just pack it in and let some other team do the dirty work for us.![]()
I never would've thought Carolina would be that team. The end of that game was depressing. A 60 yard field goal? Doesn't a hail mary have at least a slightly better chance of succeeding? The Panthers had no margin of error, and picked a bad day to play poorly. But the Saints deserve some credit for reversing their own trend of December failure, and making a run. Both of these teams are more deserving of a wild card spot that the Vikes are.
Still, the Panthers are forever in my cool book. They almost made it, but just ran out of gas. Next year look for Carolina back in the super bowl.
But I craved revenge against the Saints, so I began rooting hard for the Rams to win. They played some decent D and got in and I think they can win at Seattle. Seattle barely beat the Falcon backups.
In the AFC, the Jets backed in, and Denver bowled in, thumping the Colts b-team. Indy should be glad though, since Denver's gonna be a cakewalk next week. Too bad for the Bills. Too bad them and Carolina didn't get in. The Jaguars blew it last week, and the Ravens were crippled by maybe the toughest schedule in football. Plus they never shoulda lost to the Browns in week 1.
Lots of teams rested guys, but among the 7 teams locked in, some were very impressive.
Pittsburgh really surprised me. What a credit to Bill Cowher, my favorite coach, that he got his team to play that way against the hottest team in football. 15-1. Unless you're the Vikings, that means a super bowl. God I hope he gets a championship this time.
And the Packers were very good as well, getting revenge on Chicago. And San Diego took it to the Chiefs, who had been hot. It got a bit close at the end, but most of the game was a runaway.
And the Falcons played tough in Seattle.
There could be concern for Philly, but I wouldn't hit the panic button. I think it was more a sign of how good the Bengals are gonna be next year.
The Colts were ehh. Even Sorgi had moments though.
And the mighty Patriots had to play Brady and Dillon and everyone til late in the 3rd to beat the tough 49ers. If there is justice, that's their last win of the year. And the Niners scored first, so I don't have to hear about that dumb streak anymore.
The first round seems too easy. The Chargers, Colts, Packers and Rams all seem like too easy picks. Something funny's gonna happen.
Oh, and did I mention what a sorry bunch of losers the Vikings are?
VIQUEENS 18
Gee, what complete surprise, the Vikings come out and play like shit, and show absolutely no pride or heart, but in the end get bailed out and are in the playoffs, a place they are so undeserving of I don't even have the words for it.
Screw this pathetic team and its increasingly arrogant and incompetent head coach.
The opening kickoff was all I needed for confirmation that the Vikings decided not to show up today. Then Ramsey carves through the sorry ass secondary and it's 7-0. Boom, game over! This team was looking for an excuse to quit as early as possible. Once again the offense, despite being one of the league's most talented, does nothing, and even laughably blows a scoring chance at the half.
Once again Tice and his cronies get completely outcoached from minute one. The final was 21-18, but even that was misleading. Ramsey giftwrapped an INT and fumble to the Vikes, and the Vikes got a garbage TD at the end that meant nothing. The real score of this game was more like 30-10.
Randy Moss jumped the shark, maybe forever. He walks off the field before the game is over. What if by some miracle the Vikes had had a shot at a hail mary? Moss and his PHONY injury would've been in the locker room. Oh yes, he's milked whatever injury he had like a cow. He's not hurt, he's just found a cover story so he can not try to play. And Tice has always kissed his ass. You think a coach with any stature would stand for something like this? If McCombs wants to save money (that's all he's interested in), he should trade this punk for whatever he can get. Stop letting this selfish prick hold the team hostage.
And I also found the team's effort at the end completely horrible. They get the ball back with 2 minutes left, down 11. Sure, a miracle is needed, but they barely even tried a hurry-up offense. Clearly they had decided to quit playing, and had been scoreboard watching, and figured at least one of those other games would get them in. God forbid they have any sense of pride or shame, and try to salvage that latest debacle. But no, we'll just pack it in and let some other team do the dirty work for us.
I never would've thought Carolina would be that team. The end of that game was depressing. A 60 yard field goal? Doesn't a hail mary have at least a slightly better chance of succeeding? The Panthers had no margin of error, and picked a bad day to play poorly. But the Saints deserve some credit for reversing their own trend of December failure, and making a run. Both of these teams are more deserving of a wild card spot that the Vikes are.
Still, the Panthers are forever in my cool book. They almost made it, but just ran out of gas. Next year look for Carolina back in the super bowl.
But I craved revenge against the Saints, so I began rooting hard for the Rams to win. They played some decent D and got in and I think they can win at Seattle. Seattle barely beat the Falcon backups.
In the AFC, the Jets backed in, and Denver bowled in, thumping the Colts b-team. Indy should be glad though, since Denver's gonna be a cakewalk next week. Too bad for the Bills. Too bad them and Carolina didn't get in. The Jaguars blew it last week, and the Ravens were crippled by maybe the toughest schedule in football. Plus they never shoulda lost to the Browns in week 1.
Lots of teams rested guys, but among the 7 teams locked in, some were very impressive.
Pittsburgh really surprised me. What a credit to Bill Cowher, my favorite coach, that he got his team to play that way against the hottest team in football. 15-1. Unless you're the Vikings, that means a super bowl. God I hope he gets a championship this time.
And the Packers were very good as well, getting revenge on Chicago. And San Diego took it to the Chiefs, who had been hot. It got a bit close at the end, but most of the game was a runaway.
And the Falcons played tough in Seattle.
There could be concern for Philly, but I wouldn't hit the panic button. I think it was more a sign of how good the Bengals are gonna be next year.
The Colts were ehh. Even Sorgi had moments though.
And the mighty Patriots had to play Brady and Dillon and everyone til late in the 3rd to beat the tough 49ers. If there is justice, that's their last win of the year. And the Niners scored first, so I don't have to hear about that dumb streak anymore.
The first round seems too easy. The Chargers, Colts, Packers and Rams all seem like too easy picks. Something funny's gonna happen.
Oh, and did I mention what a sorry bunch of losers the Vikings are?
Wild Card picks:
Saturday:
Rams over Seahawks: this is the one upset I see. The Rams at least stepped up a little the last 2 weeks. Seattle should've lost each of their last 2 games. The Rams have Seattle's number too.
Chargers over Jets: San Diego's ride keeps going. I don't see the Jets mounting much of a threat, not with a still shaky Pennington. Their D will keep in from being a rout, but LT will get his. This'll set up an awesome matchup with the Steelers.
Sunday:
Colts over Broncos: Sure Denver, you go on telling yourself that you've found the way to beat Indy. I bet you thought that last year too. A rested Manning will torch Denver.
Packers over Vikings: The only reason I think this game will be competitive is beacuse Green Bay is not that great themselves, and because the Lambeau mystique is gone. Hard to tell what kind of game to expect from Moss. But no Chavous means the Vike secondary will actually be worse than usual. The Packers should feel ashamed if they were to lose, since the Vikings are the worst team to ever make the playoffs. I'm hoping for a rout, because maybe only that can cause a shakeup.
Rams over Seahawks: this is the one upset I see. The Rams at least stepped up a little the last 2 weeks. Seattle should've lost each of their last 2 games. The Rams have Seattle's number too.
Chargers over Jets: San Diego's ride keeps going. I don't see the Jets mounting much of a threat, not with a still shaky Pennington. Their D will keep in from being a rout, but LT will get his. This'll set up an awesome matchup with the Steelers.
Sunday:
Colts over Broncos: Sure Denver, you go on telling yourself that you've found the way to beat Indy. I bet you thought that last year too. A rested Manning will torch Denver.
Packers over Vikings: The only reason I think this game will be competitive is beacuse Green Bay is not that great themselves, and because the Lambeau mystique is gone. Hard to tell what kind of game to expect from Moss. But no Chavous means the Vike secondary will actually be worse than usual. The Packers should feel ashamed if they were to lose, since the Vikings are the worst team to ever make the playoffs. I'm hoping for a rout, because maybe only that can cause a shakeup.
Wild Card Saturday:
RAMS 27, SEAHAWKS 20
Very entertaining game. Bulger and Hasselbeck were both on fire for much of the game. It looked like Seattle took over in the 3rd and would roll. But once again Seattle was undone by dropped passes. That's 2 straight years they've lost their playoff game due to dropped balls. Engram shoulda caught that pass, no question about it. The Rams could be tough in Philly depending on the weather.
JETS 20, CHARGERS 17 in OT
It's such a cliche to say that it's sad one team had to lose, but I think it applies here. I like both these teams a lot. Too bad the Chargers miracle season had to end so quickly, and that Marty again has to swallow a hard playoff defeat. I don't blame Kaeding. That's why I hate it when teams play for the FG when they don't have to. But yay for the Jets. Chad sucked it up and was excellent. That TD to Moss was as pretty a throw as you'll ever see. Eric Barton makes one of the dumbest mistakes in playoff history, but gets let off the hook.
Very entertaining game. Bulger and Hasselbeck were both on fire for much of the game. It looked like Seattle took over in the 3rd and would roll. But once again Seattle was undone by dropped passes. That's 2 straight years they've lost their playoff game due to dropped balls. Engram shoulda caught that pass, no question about it. The Rams could be tough in Philly depending on the weather.
JETS 20, CHARGERS 17 in OT
It's such a cliche to say that it's sad one team had to lose, but I think it applies here. I like both these teams a lot. Too bad the Chargers miracle season had to end so quickly, and that Marty again has to swallow a hard playoff defeat. I don't blame Kaeding. That's why I hate it when teams play for the FG when they don't have to. But yay for the Jets. Chad sucked it up and was excellent. That TD to Moss was as pretty a throw as you'll ever see. Eric Barton makes one of the dumbest mistakes in playoff history, but gets let off the hook.
Wild Card Sunday:
VIKINGS 31
PACKERS 17
So all it took was backing into the playoffs and having the star receiver act like a jackass to make this team play like I thought they would all year??
This game, deep down, was not that surprising. I had a feeling the Vikings would win, I just went against it. This Viking team has pissed me off all year, so of course they'd now win in Lambeau when I'm rooting against them harder than ever before.
The Green Bay Packers are not the Packers of the mid 90's. Brett Favre is nothing more than a tattered relic of what he used to be. This is a team that cannot win if Favre is playing like absolute shit AND if the defense is again showing it cannot grasp the concept of tackling AND if that overrated Ahman Green is fumbling all over the place AND the kicker can't hit a chip shot AND they lose several players to injury on top of that.
The Vikings deserve credit. For one of the few times this season they won a game legitimately. However, only a fool would watch this game and not admit that Green Bay did more than their fair share of giving it away to them. Yet still the game was not officially over til the 4th quarter.
Not officially. Me, I knew ths game was over the moment Green Bay went 3 and out following that first touchdown. Green Bay embarrassed themselves in this game, WAY worse than what Denver did earlier in the day. I stand by what I said. The Vikings are the worst team to ever make the playoffs. News flash: Had they not given up that TD in Arizona last year, the Vikes would have won their first round game there too. Carolina handles their business, and the Vikes don't go anywhere. Doug Brien hits a long FG in St. Louis and the Vikes play in Seattle. Talk about a fine line between things.
All that said, I'm gonna be completely insane and say the Vikes might just win in Philly. Daunte is capable of dominating a game as completely as anyone. However, Philly actually has a defense that can tackle, a QB who is not a screw up, and a better running back.
I don't know what the hell was up with Mike Sherman's play calling. Even with Favre looking like Spergon Wynn, you keep throwing on the Vikings. Its not like those d-backs made plays. Those interceptions were gifts. The only thing missing was the bow.
Now onto Moss and to Favre.
Moss is a fucking piece of shit. He is. He is the reason it is damn near impossible to root for this team right now. I hope the Vikings trade him in the offseason. His 2 TDs in this game were more due to pathetic coverage than his skill. But his endzone celebration was fine. I was worried that when he began he was gonna imitate a different act,![]()
but it was worth a chuckle. I don't mind those things AFTER TOUCHDOWNS. You don't wanna see it, don't let him score.
As for Favre, he's my favorite player of all time, but I am PRAYING he retires. Despite his super bowl ring and toughness and stats, his legacy is on the verge of being as a guy whose seasons end with awful failures. That game against the Rams with the 6 picks (which were the WRs fault in that instance), the meltdown against Atlanta, the hideous INT against Philly and now today's debacle. He's not gonna win another super bowl. I'd love to see it happen, but it won't. The Lambeau mystique is now gone forever, and this team needs too much help to make it back. Brett can't play the way he plays and win the big game. He needs to get out now.
COLTS 49, BRONCOS 24
Talk, talk, talk. That's all Denver did all week. Oh, but what a shock that it actually ended up a bigger rout than last year. The score was a little closer, but only cause Indy let up after halftime. But I loved the way they played, hitting hard on D and making Denver eat a lot of time to get their few scores. And what a treat it is to watch Manning when he is on fire like that. Reggie Wayne's second TD featured the best blocking I've ever seen.
For me, basically the entire NFL season rides on next Sunday's game in New England. Everything says this is the time for the Colts to get em. However, if I've learned one thing, it is that the Patriots never have anything go against them in a playoff game...EVER. I firmly expect them to beat Indy.
PACKERS 17
So all it took was backing into the playoffs and having the star receiver act like a jackass to make this team play like I thought they would all year??
This game, deep down, was not that surprising. I had a feeling the Vikings would win, I just went against it. This Viking team has pissed me off all year, so of course they'd now win in Lambeau when I'm rooting against them harder than ever before.
The Green Bay Packers are not the Packers of the mid 90's. Brett Favre is nothing more than a tattered relic of what he used to be. This is a team that cannot win if Favre is playing like absolute shit AND if the defense is again showing it cannot grasp the concept of tackling AND if that overrated Ahman Green is fumbling all over the place AND the kicker can't hit a chip shot AND they lose several players to injury on top of that.
The Vikings deserve credit. For one of the few times this season they won a game legitimately. However, only a fool would watch this game and not admit that Green Bay did more than their fair share of giving it away to them. Yet still the game was not officially over til the 4th quarter.
Not officially. Me, I knew ths game was over the moment Green Bay went 3 and out following that first touchdown. Green Bay embarrassed themselves in this game, WAY worse than what Denver did earlier in the day. I stand by what I said. The Vikings are the worst team to ever make the playoffs. News flash: Had they not given up that TD in Arizona last year, the Vikes would have won their first round game there too. Carolina handles their business, and the Vikes don't go anywhere. Doug Brien hits a long FG in St. Louis and the Vikes play in Seattle. Talk about a fine line between things.
All that said, I'm gonna be completely insane and say the Vikes might just win in Philly. Daunte is capable of dominating a game as completely as anyone. However, Philly actually has a defense that can tackle, a QB who is not a screw up, and a better running back.
I don't know what the hell was up with Mike Sherman's play calling. Even with Favre looking like Spergon Wynn, you keep throwing on the Vikings. Its not like those d-backs made plays. Those interceptions were gifts. The only thing missing was the bow.
Now onto Moss and to Favre.
Moss is a fucking piece of shit. He is. He is the reason it is damn near impossible to root for this team right now. I hope the Vikings trade him in the offseason. His 2 TDs in this game were more due to pathetic coverage than his skill. But his endzone celebration was fine. I was worried that when he began he was gonna imitate a different act,
but it was worth a chuckle. I don't mind those things AFTER TOUCHDOWNS. You don't wanna see it, don't let him score.As for Favre, he's my favorite player of all time, but I am PRAYING he retires. Despite his super bowl ring and toughness and stats, his legacy is on the verge of being as a guy whose seasons end with awful failures. That game against the Rams with the 6 picks (which were the WRs fault in that instance), the meltdown against Atlanta, the hideous INT against Philly and now today's debacle. He's not gonna win another super bowl. I'd love to see it happen, but it won't. The Lambeau mystique is now gone forever, and this team needs too much help to make it back. Brett can't play the way he plays and win the big game. He needs to get out now.
COLTS 49, BRONCOS 24
Talk, talk, talk. That's all Denver did all week. Oh, but what a shock that it actually ended up a bigger rout than last year. The score was a little closer, but only cause Indy let up after halftime. But I loved the way they played, hitting hard on D and making Denver eat a lot of time to get their few scores. And what a treat it is to watch Manning when he is on fire like that. Reggie Wayne's second TD featured the best blocking I've ever seen.
For me, basically the entire NFL season rides on next Sunday's game in New England. Everything says this is the time for the Colts to get em. However, if I've learned one thing, it is that the Patriots never have anything go against them in a playoff game...EVER. I firmly expect them to beat Indy.
Divisional Round Picks:
Saturday games:
Steelers over Jets: I'm worried a little bit, but the Steelers defense should smother Chad. Big Ben shouldn't have any trouble with the playoff pressure, as long as the coaches let him play. My one beef with them is how they restrict what he can do a lot of the time.
Rams over Falcons: ANARCHY! I'm not sure if I even believe this pick, but the Rams do seem to be clicking on offense (32 against the tough Jet D, then 27 on the road and outdoors). This game will probably be a shootout, since Vick will dominate as well. But the Falcons have been overachievers, and that ends here.
Sunday games:
Vikings over Eagles: ANARCHY! I'm REALLY not sure if I believe this one. The Vikes are as likely to lose 41-0 as they are to win. But literally ALL the pressure is on Philly. After 3 years, Philly simply cannot lose their opening home game to an 8-8 team that STILL has no business participating in the playoffs. But the NFC is completely retarded this season, so why not? "Why not" is my only real justification for this pick.
Patriots over Colts: I want to believe this will be different. I will be downright ecstatic sunday night if it does. But the Patriots have been crushing my hopes for almost 3 full seasons now. They get every break. They never have anything go against them in the playoffs (tuck rule, the officiating vs the Rams, mugging Colt receivers, John Kasay, Drew Bennett, etc.). The Colts are the better team. The Pats are by far the worst 14-2 team ever. But it does not matter. The Patriots will win, either through some bad call, or some total choke job by Indy.
Or maybe Troy Brown will get burned for 4 touchdowns, Corey Dilon will have a crucial fumble, and Tom Brady will be sacked by Dwight Freeney, have his leg bent the wrong way and be sidelined for the rest of his career.
Steelers over Jets: I'm worried a little bit, but the Steelers defense should smother Chad. Big Ben shouldn't have any trouble with the playoff pressure, as long as the coaches let him play. My one beef with them is how they restrict what he can do a lot of the time.
Rams over Falcons: ANARCHY! I'm not sure if I even believe this pick, but the Rams do seem to be clicking on offense (32 against the tough Jet D, then 27 on the road and outdoors). This game will probably be a shootout, since Vick will dominate as well. But the Falcons have been overachievers, and that ends here.
Sunday games:
Vikings over Eagles: ANARCHY! I'm REALLY not sure if I believe this one. The Vikes are as likely to lose 41-0 as they are to win. But literally ALL the pressure is on Philly. After 3 years, Philly simply cannot lose their opening home game to an 8-8 team that STILL has no business participating in the playoffs. But the NFC is completely retarded this season, so why not? "Why not" is my only real justification for this pick.
Patriots over Colts: I want to believe this will be different. I will be downright ecstatic sunday night if it does. But the Patriots have been crushing my hopes for almost 3 full seasons now. They get every break. They never have anything go against them in the playoffs (tuck rule, the officiating vs the Rams, mugging Colt receivers, John Kasay, Drew Bennett, etc.). The Colts are the better team. The Pats are by far the worst 14-2 team ever. But it does not matter. The Patriots will win, either through some bad call, or some total choke job by Indy.
Or maybe Troy Brown will get burned for 4 touchdowns, Corey Dilon will have a crucial fumble, and Tom Brady will be sacked by Dwight Freeney, have his leg bent the wrong way and be sidelined for the rest of his career.
Divisional Saturday:
STEELERS 20, JETS 17 in OT
That loud whooshing sound you may have heard around 7PM central time was me finally exhaling after one of the most nerve-wracking playoff games I've ever seen. And since the finish was what I hoped for, I can say this was one of the best playoff games of the decade.![]()
But for a while there it was pretty dicey. It looked good at 10-0, but then it started to look like the 2001 AFC championship all over again. The Jets get all these huge non-offensive plays, and it's 17-10. And even though the Steelers at this point are carving up the Jets, they're also having horrible turnovers. When Bettis fumbled I thought the game was over. Big Ben threw two of the worst picks I've seen since...well, Lambeau last weekend. Maybe it was the thumb. Maybe it was rookie jitters. I think a lot of it was a Jet defense that played very well. The Jets really played two excellent playoff games. I don't even think the Steelers played the superior game. Turnovers, the Moss return, numerous instances of blown tackles (every Martin run basically). But thankfully Doug Brien missed those 2 kicks (neither of which were chip shots, mind you), and Reed made his, and the Steelers will play another day. And they will play a MUCH better game next week.
FALCONS 47, RAMS 17
Told ya I didn't have any conviction in picking the Rams. This one started like a fun shootout, but it wound up the most dominating offensive game in the playoffs in a long time. Atlanta dominated. The Rams had no clue how to stop Vick or Dunn or Duckett. And actually, it was more due to Falcon greatness than their own failure. Once they got up, they teed off on Bulger, who had no chance. But yes, the Rams clearly quit in the 2nd half, which reflects poorly on Martz. And the Rams special teams is an abomination.
The Falcons proved themselves though, big time, and I'm not sure either Philly or Minny can stop them.
twigskin
(hoping Tom Brady suffers tomorrow)
That loud whooshing sound you may have heard around 7PM central time was me finally exhaling after one of the most nerve-wracking playoff games I've ever seen. And since the finish was what I hoped for, I can say this was one of the best playoff games of the decade.
But for a while there it was pretty dicey. It looked good at 10-0, but then it started to look like the 2001 AFC championship all over again. The Jets get all these huge non-offensive plays, and it's 17-10. And even though the Steelers at this point are carving up the Jets, they're also having horrible turnovers. When Bettis fumbled I thought the game was over. Big Ben threw two of the worst picks I've seen since...well, Lambeau last weekend. Maybe it was the thumb. Maybe it was rookie jitters. I think a lot of it was a Jet defense that played very well. The Jets really played two excellent playoff games. I don't even think the Steelers played the superior game. Turnovers, the Moss return, numerous instances of blown tackles (every Martin run basically). But thankfully Doug Brien missed those 2 kicks (neither of which were chip shots, mind you), and Reed made his, and the Steelers will play another day. And they will play a MUCH better game next week.
FALCONS 47, RAMS 17
Told ya I didn't have any conviction in picking the Rams. This one started like a fun shootout, but it wound up the most dominating offensive game in the playoffs in a long time. Atlanta dominated. The Rams had no clue how to stop Vick or Dunn or Duckett. And actually, it was more due to Falcon greatness than their own failure. Once they got up, they teed off on Bulger, who had no chance. But yes, the Rams clearly quit in the 2nd half, which reflects poorly on Martz. And the Rams special teams is an abomination.
The Falcons proved themselves though, big time, and I'm not sure either Philly or Minny can stop them.
twigskin
(hoping Tom Brady suffers tomorrow)
Divisional Sunday:
EAGLES 27
VIKINGS 14
Yes, reality settled back in for the 2004 Vikings. They were efficiently beaten by a far better team, in a game that, like most Viking defeats, was there for the taking.
Philly was not perfect. Had the Vikings played a better game, or had they been a team worthy of playoff participation, they would have had a shot to win. But while they didn't completely roll over and quit (except of course for #84), they screwed up all over the place and will watch the rest of the playoffs from home.
I wish the Vikings had played defense like this all season. They had one bad quarter today, but other than that they did a solid job. They weren't world beaters, but they did well enough that the Vikes shoulda been in the game.
But Daunte did not have one of his finer days. Philly got after him all day long, finishing off sacks and pressuring him into a couple bad picks. Trotter was insane. Kearse was a freak. This was worlds away from the so-called defense Green Bay put out there last week. In fact, this game was further proof of how the Vikes won last week largely because of who they were playing, not HOW they played themselves.
Naturally, Moss was a problem. He dropped a lot of passes, and screwed up on a would-be fake field goal. Tice said it was "an offensive lineman's" fault. Right, like he'd ever admit Randy fucked up. I hope this was his last game in purple.
The Vikings did not deserve to be in the playoffs, but they deserve credit for not embarrassing themselves once they got there. Perhaps next year they can become the team I thought they'd be this year.
PATRIOTS 20, COLTS 3
Same shit, different day. Once I saw it was snowing, I knew EXACTLY what the outcome would be, and I was proven 100% correct. Once again the frauds piggyback on the weather. Once again Manning plays right into their hands, with his happy feet. Once again every call goes the Pats way. Every one of these home playoff games has featured hideous weather. My god, the snow even picked up during Colt drives! It did!
The Colts are like the Packers of the 90's. They could never get by Dallas, and always had to play IN Dallas. Then one year GB didn't have to play Dallas and won the super bowl. If Indy ever makes it, that'll be why.
I hope the Steelers do it next week. Let's see that team win a playoff game w/o mother nature handing it to you. They are NOT intimidating on the road in the playoffs. They're just an ordinary team.
VIKINGS 14
Yes, reality settled back in for the 2004 Vikings. They were efficiently beaten by a far better team, in a game that, like most Viking defeats, was there for the taking.
Philly was not perfect. Had the Vikings played a better game, or had they been a team worthy of playoff participation, they would have had a shot to win. But while they didn't completely roll over and quit (except of course for #84), they screwed up all over the place and will watch the rest of the playoffs from home.
I wish the Vikings had played defense like this all season. They had one bad quarter today, but other than that they did a solid job. They weren't world beaters, but they did well enough that the Vikes shoulda been in the game.
But Daunte did not have one of his finer days. Philly got after him all day long, finishing off sacks and pressuring him into a couple bad picks. Trotter was insane. Kearse was a freak. This was worlds away from the so-called defense Green Bay put out there last week. In fact, this game was further proof of how the Vikes won last week largely because of who they were playing, not HOW they played themselves.
Naturally, Moss was a problem. He dropped a lot of passes, and screwed up on a would-be fake field goal. Tice said it was "an offensive lineman's" fault. Right, like he'd ever admit Randy fucked up. I hope this was his last game in purple.
The Vikings did not deserve to be in the playoffs, but they deserve credit for not embarrassing themselves once they got there. Perhaps next year they can become the team I thought they'd be this year.
PATRIOTS 20, COLTS 3
Same shit, different day. Once I saw it was snowing, I knew EXACTLY what the outcome would be, and I was proven 100% correct. Once again the frauds piggyback on the weather. Once again Manning plays right into their hands, with his happy feet. Once again every call goes the Pats way. Every one of these home playoff games has featured hideous weather. My god, the snow even picked up during Colt drives! It did!
The Colts are like the Packers of the 90's. They could never get by Dallas, and always had to play IN Dallas. Then one year GB didn't have to play Dallas and won the super bowl. If Indy ever makes it, that'll be why.
I hope the Steelers do it next week. Let's see that team win a playoff game w/o mother nature handing it to you. They are NOT intimidating on the road in the playoffs. They're just an ordinary team.
Responding to the Patriot sycophants:
First off, I did not say officiating was the key factor in this game. There were a couple calls, including a BLATANT helmet-to-helmet hit that was not called, but the refs did not give this one to the Pats. Btw, the false start penalty was obvious.![]()
I don't like the "make your own luck" argument, since it makes no sense. Luck happens, it's not made. There is no denying that the string of good fortune that has gone their way during their playoff runs has been staggering. All week long there was ZERO talk of it snowing, then shortly before kickoff here comes a blizzard.
Yes, the Colts are pussies. Manning's great, but he had happy feet instantly. Belichick is completely in his head. AJ Feeley torched this team several weeks ago. That's the level of D they have when not playing at home.
Absolutely, the Patriots are better than the Colts. They have a better defense, although Indy's D played one half of solid football before imploding.
It is a joke that the Patriots are favored at Pittsburgh. The Steelers DESTROYED them earlier in the season. Yeah, that was w/o Dillon, but nobody who saw that game could say the Pats woulda won with him. And now the Pats don't have Seymour, which means Duce and Bus are licking their chops.
If the Patriots win though, I think I will be taking a pass on the super bowl. I'll watch the Alicia Keys performance, then turn it off.
I don't like the "make your own luck" argument, since it makes no sense. Luck happens, it's not made. There is no denying that the string of good fortune that has gone their way during their playoff runs has been staggering. All week long there was ZERO talk of it snowing, then shortly before kickoff here comes a blizzard.
Yes, the Colts are pussies. Manning's great, but he had happy feet instantly. Belichick is completely in his head. AJ Feeley torched this team several weeks ago. That's the level of D they have when not playing at home.
Absolutely, the Patriots are better than the Colts. They have a better defense, although Indy's D played one half of solid football before imploding.
It is a joke that the Patriots are favored at Pittsburgh. The Steelers DESTROYED them earlier in the season. Yeah, that was w/o Dillon, but nobody who saw that game could say the Pats woulda won with him. And now the Pats don't have Seymour, which means Duce and Bus are licking their chops.
If the Patriots win though, I think I will be taking a pass on the super bowl. I'll watch the Alicia Keys performance, then turn it off.
Championship Game Picks:
NFC: Eagles over Falcons
I am NOT dismissing Atlanta's chances at all. They have a very good chance to win. Their win last week was more impressive. The difference here is that Philly can play defense, unlike the Rams. And one thing they do better than anyone is contain and rattle scrambling QBs. 2 years ago they crushed Vick, and look at how they handled Daunte. Plus, I hear it might snow, which will certainly slow Vick down a lot. Plus, after 3 years of near misses, I just think the Eagles are gonna finally step up and make it to the super bowl.
AFC: Steelers over Patriots
Well, it all comes down to this. THIS is the super bowl, cause whoever wins this should win comfortably in 2 weeks. Again it might snow here as well, so this is a likely gonna be a running game. Who has a better running game than the Steelers? They killed the soft Pats on the ground in the earlier meeting. They made Brady mess up a few times. Big Ben had his worst game last week. It's been the reason everyone and their mother and their cousins have jumped off the Big Ben bandwagon this week. One bad game and suddenly he's no good. Funny. Didn't Brett Favre and Peyton Manning have FAR WORSE playoff games? I consider Big Ben's play last week to be a good omen heading into this game. It is a virtual certainty he'll play better. And last time I checked, he played pretty good against the Pats earlier. The whole Steeler team is sure to play better than last week. Can the Patriots say the same? Last week was their perfect game: at home, in the snow, against a dome team whose QB is Belichick's bitch.
Pittsburgh is the better team. Granted, the Pats beat a superior Steeler team on the same field 3 years ago. You wanna know where my distaste for this team stems from? Go back to that game, and their infantile whining about being underdogs. But that game they won (or, uh, DREW BLEDSOE WON) through fluke plays. How often does a team get a punt return AND a blocked FG for a score in the same game? But this dark era began in that game (true, the tuck rule game is also a beginning for this). It fits to have it end on the same field with the same stakes.
GO STEELERS! Do it for Cowher, who may be one of the great coaches to never win a super bowl. It is high time that Brady and Belichick experienced some of that January pain and disappointment. It is time for another team to have that good fortune. Let it be the Steelers. The Steel Curtain shall rise again!
I am NOT dismissing Atlanta's chances at all. They have a very good chance to win. Their win last week was more impressive. The difference here is that Philly can play defense, unlike the Rams. And one thing they do better than anyone is contain and rattle scrambling QBs. 2 years ago they crushed Vick, and look at how they handled Daunte. Plus, I hear it might snow, which will certainly slow Vick down a lot. Plus, after 3 years of near misses, I just think the Eagles are gonna finally step up and make it to the super bowl.
AFC: Steelers over Patriots
Well, it all comes down to this. THIS is the super bowl, cause whoever wins this should win comfortably in 2 weeks. Again it might snow here as well, so this is a likely gonna be a running game. Who has a better running game than the Steelers? They killed the soft Pats on the ground in the earlier meeting. They made Brady mess up a few times. Big Ben had his worst game last week. It's been the reason everyone and their mother and their cousins have jumped off the Big Ben bandwagon this week. One bad game and suddenly he's no good. Funny. Didn't Brett Favre and Peyton Manning have FAR WORSE playoff games? I consider Big Ben's play last week to be a good omen heading into this game. It is a virtual certainty he'll play better. And last time I checked, he played pretty good against the Pats earlier. The whole Steeler team is sure to play better than last week. Can the Patriots say the same? Last week was their perfect game: at home, in the snow, against a dome team whose QB is Belichick's bitch.
Pittsburgh is the better team. Granted, the Pats beat a superior Steeler team on the same field 3 years ago. You wanna know where my distaste for this team stems from? Go back to that game, and their infantile whining about being underdogs. But that game they won (or, uh, DREW BLEDSOE WON) through fluke plays. How often does a team get a punt return AND a blocked FG for a score in the same game? But this dark era began in that game (true, the tuck rule game is also a beginning for this). It fits to have it end on the same field with the same stakes.
GO STEELERS! Do it for Cowher, who may be one of the great coaches to never win a super bowl. It is high time that Brady and Belichick experienced some of that January pain and disappointment. It is time for another team to have that good fortune. Let it be the Steelers. The Steel Curtain shall rise again!
Championship Sunday (a DARK day):
PATRIOTS 41, STEELERS 27, HOPE 0
You know that one Simpsons episode, the one where Lisa breaks Ralph Wiggum's heart, and it's on TV. Bart rewinds the tape to point out the exact moment Ralph's heart broke.
My NFL fandom as I've known it died today, right about the moment Rodney Harrison was running a Roethlisberger INT back for a touchdown and a 24-3 lead.
I actually allowed myself to get psyched up prior to this AFC championship. I forgot that, for me, the NFL has become an entity that only delivers crushing disappointment anymore. Yes, it is just a game. But my ENTIRE LIFE is nothing but unending disappointment and sadness. All I've got are outlets like the NFL and movies and Natalie and Britney. Think of it in these terms: If every single eagerly anticipated film of mine over the last half decade had been a gigantic disappointment, I'd be much less of a film fan wouldn't I?
This game today broke me. It crushed me. This whole season has sapped me of all optimism. Sports, not just the NFL, are nothing without hope. I cannot just passively watch a game. I need to root for someone. Hell, I've rooted for the Steelers for most of their championship game defeats. I feel awful for Bill Cowher. I feel sick for Jerome Bettis. I think it absolutely sucks that Big Ben picked the 2 playoff games to finally play like the rookie he is.
I turned the game off at halftime. I did not watch the last quarter and a half of the Colts game last week. The Patriots have taken all the fun and joy of watching the NFL away from me. Fine, they're the most perfect wonderful sports franchise in the history of mankind, whatever. Tom Brady is the greatest player in NFL history, and Corey Dillon is the best and most classy and mature running back ever to play the game.
Honestly, I do not care anymore. I can't. Without the bad, you cannot appreciate the good as much. But there has not been any good for a LONG time now. My Viking fandom has been practically beaten out of me several times since that fateful January day againt Atlanta 6 years ago. I've seen Brett Favre, my favorite player of all time, devolve into a shell of his former self, who always blows the game at the end. And then there are these Patriots. Who could have guessed that an obscure thing known as the "tuck rule" could've led to all of this.
EAGLES 27, FALCONS 10
Before the 2004 NFL season went up in smoke, there was the feel good story of the Eagles finally reaching the super bowl in their 4th try. And they played a very strong game, against a Falcon team that actually played better than the score indicated. But as expected, Philly did a good job on Vick. McNabb was fantastic.
Too bad they have no chance at all in 2 weeks I'll give you my pick right now:
Patriots 47, Eagles 12
I need a reason right now to even watch the super bowl. Aside from the movie ads and Alicia Keys singing "America The Beautiful", I cannot think of a single reason to subject myself to this game. For the first time since super bowl 24 (Niners 55, Denver 10) I flat out do not want to watch the game. I'm sure I'll cave in and watch it, but my capacity to care, to TRULY care, is gone.
The only hope is that with Crennell and Weiss leaving, that that will somehow automaticaly weaken them. And yes, I care more than I should. It's just a game. Duly noted.
You know that one Simpsons episode, the one where Lisa breaks Ralph Wiggum's heart, and it's on TV. Bart rewinds the tape to point out the exact moment Ralph's heart broke.
My NFL fandom as I've known it died today, right about the moment Rodney Harrison was running a Roethlisberger INT back for a touchdown and a 24-3 lead.
I actually allowed myself to get psyched up prior to this AFC championship. I forgot that, for me, the NFL has become an entity that only delivers crushing disappointment anymore. Yes, it is just a game. But my ENTIRE LIFE is nothing but unending disappointment and sadness. All I've got are outlets like the NFL and movies and Natalie and Britney. Think of it in these terms: If every single eagerly anticipated film of mine over the last half decade had been a gigantic disappointment, I'd be much less of a film fan wouldn't I?
This game today broke me. It crushed me. This whole season has sapped me of all optimism. Sports, not just the NFL, are nothing without hope. I cannot just passively watch a game. I need to root for someone. Hell, I've rooted for the Steelers for most of their championship game defeats. I feel awful for Bill Cowher. I feel sick for Jerome Bettis. I think it absolutely sucks that Big Ben picked the 2 playoff games to finally play like the rookie he is.
I turned the game off at halftime. I did not watch the last quarter and a half of the Colts game last week. The Patriots have taken all the fun and joy of watching the NFL away from me. Fine, they're the most perfect wonderful sports franchise in the history of mankind, whatever. Tom Brady is the greatest player in NFL history, and Corey Dillon is the best and most classy and mature running back ever to play the game.
Honestly, I do not care anymore. I can't. Without the bad, you cannot appreciate the good as much. But there has not been any good for a LONG time now. My Viking fandom has been practically beaten out of me several times since that fateful January day againt Atlanta 6 years ago. I've seen Brett Favre, my favorite player of all time, devolve into a shell of his former self, who always blows the game at the end. And then there are these Patriots. Who could have guessed that an obscure thing known as the "tuck rule" could've led to all of this.
EAGLES 27, FALCONS 10
Before the 2004 NFL season went up in smoke, there was the feel good story of the Eagles finally reaching the super bowl in their 4th try. And they played a very strong game, against a Falcon team that actually played better than the score indicated. But as expected, Philly did a good job on Vick. McNabb was fantastic.
Too bad they have no chance at all in 2 weeks I'll give you my pick right now:
Patriots 47, Eagles 12
I need a reason right now to even watch the super bowl. Aside from the movie ads and Alicia Keys singing "America The Beautiful", I cannot think of a single reason to subject myself to this game. For the first time since super bowl 24 (Niners 55, Denver 10) I flat out do not want to watch the game. I'm sure I'll cave in and watch it, but my capacity to care, to TRULY care, is gone.
The only hope is that with Crennell and Weiss leaving, that that will somehow automaticaly weaken them. And yes, I care more than I should. It's just a game. Duly noted.
Me giving into the bullies re: the Patriots:
After a day to let it sink in, I am ready to fess up once and for all.
THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ARE A GREAT, GREAT TEAM
I do not know if they are one of the great teams ever, but I do know they cannot be beaten in their current makeup. For many weeks this season I tried to will them to lose almost, like maybe if one team solved them they'd crumble. Well, it never happened. Every week they play almost flawlessly, their opponents always screw up royally, and the Patriots get every important break on top of that. Put those 3 factors together, and you have an unbeatable team.
I hope that I can just watch the super bowl and enjoy watching the Patriots do what they do, however it is that they do it. They are not the first dynasty I've wanted to go away. I grew so unbelievably sick of the Bulls by about that 4th title. I gave up and basically sold out and became a Bulls fan. I'm not saying I'm gonna completely sell out in this same way, but some of these recent playoff posts are the last times you will see me complain about the Patriots.
THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ARE A GREAT, GREAT TEAM
I do not know if they are one of the great teams ever, but I do know they cannot be beaten in their current makeup. For many weeks this season I tried to will them to lose almost, like maybe if one team solved them they'd crumble. Well, it never happened. Every week they play almost flawlessly, their opponents always screw up royally, and the Patriots get every important break on top of that. Put those 3 factors together, and you have an unbeatable team.
I hope that I can just watch the super bowl and enjoy watching the Patriots do what they do, however it is that they do it. They are not the first dynasty I've wanted to go away. I grew so unbelievably sick of the Bulls by about that 4th title. I gave up and basically sold out and became a Bulls fan. I'm not saying I'm gonna completely sell out in this same way, but some of these recent playoff posts are the last times you will see me complain about the Patriots.
Hall of Fame announced:
The new hall of famers were announced today.
There were two older guys I've never heard of, but there were two big names: Dan Marino and Steve Young. Obviously both were no-brainers. Marino is arguably the greatest QB never to win a super bowl
There were two older guys I've never heard of, but there were two big names: Dan Marino and Steve Young. Obviously both were no-brainers. Marino is arguably the greatest QB never to win a super bowl
(though I'd go for Tarkenton on that one), and while I'm surely in the minority, I believe Steve Young may have been BETTER than Joe Montana.
I'm rather shocked Derrick Thomas was not elected. Sure, he'll make it in at some point, but he was the league's dominant linebacker for ten years.
And put Art Monk in the hall! And Jim Marshall!
Enjoy the game, y'all. My excitement level is non-existent, although my gut is telling me it might be a close game (or even a Philly win), and my gut has been right each time I've picked against it in these playoffs.
I'm rather shocked Derrick Thomas was not elected. Sure, he'll make it in at some point, but he was the league's dominant linebacker for ten years.
And put Art Monk in the hall! And Jim Marshall!
Enjoy the game, y'all. My excitement level is non-existent, although my gut is telling me it might be a close game (or even a Philly win), and my gut has been right each time I've picked against it in these playoffs.
A post at halftime of the super bowl:
1. I knew the Eagles would go 3 and out on the opening drive.
2. I knew the Eagle D would give up the lead as soon as they got it.
3. I know Joe Montana would never fumble in the red zone like that.
My gut is on a roll![]()
Eagles have a shot, but only if the Pats keep having penalties. The Eagles have stopped tackling well, and McNabb seems intent on giftwrapping INTs. And then there's Sheppard inexplicably walking away from Givens in the end zone.
I've never seen the Pats pressure a QB this well before. It's gonna be a long second half for the Philly boys.
2. I knew the Eagle D would give up the lead as soon as they got it.
3. I know Joe Montana would never fumble in the red zone like that.
My gut is on a roll
Eagles have a shot, but only if the Pats keep having penalties. The Eagles have stopped tackling well, and McNabb seems intent on giftwrapping INTs. And then there's Sheppard inexplicably walking away from Givens in the end zone.
I've never seen the Pats pressure a QB this well before. It's gonna be a long second half for the Philly boys.
Super Bowl recap:
PATRIOTS 24
EAGLES 21
THANK GOD the Patriots beat the Steelers in such a crushing way. Had that game not stripped me of all ability to work up a good hate for the Patriots, this game would have been another major letdown.
As it was, this game was like watching a rerun. Some may doubt my claims of predicting certain things within the game, but there were so many major moments of this game that I had 100% right. I've learned.
The Patriots proved more conclusively than at any point during their run that they cannot be defeated. Why? Because tonight was by FAR the worst they've played in these super bowls, and yet they still won.
The Eagles needed to play a near perfect game to have a chance, but instead played really awful at times.
I was glad to see they got the MVP vote correct (unlike 3 years ago when Brady won with mediocre stats). Tom Brady had a solid game, but not MVP-level. The red zone fumble disqualified him. Branch made every catch, including that one that looked like an INT that he somehow caught.
I hate that that arrogant shit Corey Dillon has a ring now, but once he got going the Eagle D was helpless. They turned into the Viking defense from the midway point of the 2nd through the 3rd. Every time Philly scored, their D gave it right back, and I predicted it every single time, because I saw the same thing last year against Carolina. What in the hell were they doing with that blitz? Did it even work one time?
As for the Patriot defense, they again showed that they cannot legitimately be ranked with the great Steeler, Bear and Raven teams. But I have never seen them pressure a QB this much or this relentlessly. They had McNabb running scared all day long, and Westbrook also never got going.
The Patriots are indisputably the best team in the NFL for the 2nd year in a row, and easily played the better game tonight.
BUT...the Eagles had a real chance.
McNabb's stats were really deceiving. He had 30 completions and over 300 yards and also 3 TDs, but he had 3 picks, and only a penalty and a fortunate downed knee kept him from committing FIVE turnovers himself. He really was awful. Look at how Jake Delhomme played last year and try convincing me Donovan played anything but a putrid football game.
The thing that should (and probably is) infuriating Eagles fans is the way Philly played late in the game. That was a travesty the way they played those final few minutes. Look at the clock! You need ten points to tie and they're in the huddle after every single play, and they never go for the sidelines either. I don't know whose fault that was specifically, but they screwed themselves over. It took so long to score that they really had no choice but to try an onside kick (and even that was a limp attempt). And then they had that final, one-in-a-trillion chance. What's their first play? A short pass over the middle for no gain. Philadelphia deserved to lose this game.
But if you want a positive for Philly in this game, look no further than #81. That was really incredible. Terrell Owens IS a complete jackass. but the way he sucked it up and not only played, but played really one of the best games ever by a receiver in the super bowl forever changes my opinion of him. Now he's a gutty jackass.![]()
I know Randy Moss would NEVER be capable of such an effort.
I wish the Eagles had won, but I'm not that sad. I knew it was coming (and my gut proved me right that it'd be close...my gut had these whole playoffs correct almost), and so it was no great surprise to see another NFL season end this way.
Perhaps losing the 2 coordinators will hurt them enough so that next year someone else will hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
![]()
EAGLES 21
THANK GOD the Patriots beat the Steelers in such a crushing way. Had that game not stripped me of all ability to work up a good hate for the Patriots, this game would have been another major letdown.
As it was, this game was like watching a rerun. Some may doubt my claims of predicting certain things within the game, but there were so many major moments of this game that I had 100% right. I've learned.
The Patriots proved more conclusively than at any point during their run that they cannot be defeated. Why? Because tonight was by FAR the worst they've played in these super bowls, and yet they still won.
The Eagles needed to play a near perfect game to have a chance, but instead played really awful at times.
I was glad to see they got the MVP vote correct (unlike 3 years ago when Brady won with mediocre stats). Tom Brady had a solid game, but not MVP-level. The red zone fumble disqualified him. Branch made every catch, including that one that looked like an INT that he somehow caught.
I hate that that arrogant shit Corey Dillon has a ring now, but once he got going the Eagle D was helpless. They turned into the Viking defense from the midway point of the 2nd through the 3rd. Every time Philly scored, their D gave it right back, and I predicted it every single time, because I saw the same thing last year against Carolina. What in the hell were they doing with that blitz? Did it even work one time?
As for the Patriot defense, they again showed that they cannot legitimately be ranked with the great Steeler, Bear and Raven teams. But I have never seen them pressure a QB this much or this relentlessly. They had McNabb running scared all day long, and Westbrook also never got going.
The Patriots are indisputably the best team in the NFL for the 2nd year in a row, and easily played the better game tonight.
BUT...the Eagles had a real chance.
McNabb's stats were really deceiving. He had 30 completions and over 300 yards and also 3 TDs, but he had 3 picks, and only a penalty and a fortunate downed knee kept him from committing FIVE turnovers himself. He really was awful. Look at how Jake Delhomme played last year and try convincing me Donovan played anything but a putrid football game.
The thing that should (and probably is) infuriating Eagles fans is the way Philly played late in the game. That was a travesty the way they played those final few minutes. Look at the clock! You need ten points to tie and they're in the huddle after every single play, and they never go for the sidelines either. I don't know whose fault that was specifically, but they screwed themselves over. It took so long to score that they really had no choice but to try an onside kick (and even that was a limp attempt). And then they had that final, one-in-a-trillion chance. What's their first play? A short pass over the middle for no gain. Philadelphia deserved to lose this game.
But if you want a positive for Philly in this game, look no further than #81. That was really incredible. Terrell Owens IS a complete jackass. but the way he sucked it up and not only played, but played really one of the best games ever by a receiver in the super bowl forever changes my opinion of him. Now he's a gutty jackass.
I know Randy Moss would NEVER be capable of such an effort.I wish the Eagles had won, but I'm not that sad. I knew it was coming (and my gut proved me right that it'd be close...my gut had these whole playoffs correct almost), and so it was no great surprise to see another NFL season end this way.
Perhaps losing the 2 coordinators will hurt them enough so that next year someone else will hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Moss trade:
Well, it appears the Vikes are finally doing it. They're trading Randy Moss to Oakland.
It does not matter what they're getting. This is an instance of addition by subtraction if ever there was one. But the trade sounds solid. They get Napoleon Harris, who's no superstar, but on THIS awful defense is an instant starter at their worst position. Plus, they get that #7 pick and can take either a top level defensive guy, or possibly Mike Williams. Frankly, they should go defensive no matter what. Go sign Derrick Mason. Mason and Burleson would be as good as almost any WR duo in football.
Elsewhere, Drew Bledsoe goes to Dallas, which is great for him and great for Parcells. Buffalo will regret getting rid if him if Losman is the bum I expect him to be.
It does not matter what they're getting. This is an instance of addition by subtraction if ever there was one. But the trade sounds solid. They get Napoleon Harris, who's no superstar, but on THIS awful defense is an instant starter at their worst position. Plus, they get that #7 pick and can take either a top level defensive guy, or possibly Mike Williams. Frankly, they should go defensive no matter what. Go sign Derrick Mason. Mason and Burleson would be as good as almost any WR duo in football.
Elsewhere, Drew Bledsoe goes to Dallas, which is great for him and great for Parcells. Buffalo will regret getting rid if him if Losman is the bum I expect him to be.
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