Message Board Classics: 2008/2009 NFL Seasons
Only bits of these two seasons.
2008:
Favregate:
Brett Favre
The name makes my eyes roll at this point. Frankly, this attention whore pissed away much of the goodwill he earned back last season. This guy has
psychological problems.
Now, that said, I had been hoping the Vikings would somehow find a way to bring him in. True, the Vikes are cursed and Favre woulda broken his leg in week 1,
but still, they aren't going to the super bowl with Tarvaris Jackson, even though I do think he could pan out to be a good qb.
It looked like Tampa was getting him, but the Jets swooped in and got him. I'm not exactly pleased at the thought of him being cheated twice a year by the
Hatriots, but he might be able to make them a wild card contender.
The name makes my eyes roll at this point. Frankly, this attention whore pissed away much of the goodwill he earned back last season. This guy has
psychological problems.
Now, that said, I had been hoping the Vikings would somehow find a way to bring him in. True, the Vikes are cursed and Favre woulda broken his leg in week 1,
but still, they aren't going to the super bowl with Tarvaris Jackson, even though I do think he could pan out to be a good qb.
It looked like Tampa was getting him, but the Jets swooped in and got him. I'm not exactly pleased at the thought of him being cheated twice a year by the
Hatriots, but he might be able to make them a wild card contender.
Season Predictions:
AFC
EAST:
1. New England Hatriots 15-1*
I'm still savoring their mighty fall on that glorious early February night. But now it's back to the reality that nothing has changed. They will still cheat
all the time, they will still get every call, ESPN's blowhards will slurp them up again, and to top it all off they have the easiest schedule you'll
ever see a defending super bowl team have. I'm just guessing they'll lose on of the 2 or 3 possible losses.
2. Buffalo Bills 8-8
They seem to be on the right track, aside from laying down like dogs against the cheaters twice. It'd help if they had a home field advantage anymore, but
now they're outsourcing home games to Toronto.
3. New York Jets 6-10
It may not sink to the Unitas w/Chargers or Namath w/Rams depths, but if you think Favre's gonna come in and resurrect this squad you're higher than
Chong. Mangina will probably be fired at season's end.
4. Miami Dolphins 2-14
I suppose Pennington could net em a better record than this, but even if he's ok there is nothing here. I think Big Tuna will right the ship in time, but
even if he were stalking the sidelines 2008 would be hopeless.
NORTH:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
Not much Steeler love out there it seems. I don't know why. The offense should be improved as Big Ben has some new weapons, and the defense should bounce
back.
2. Cleveland Browns 9-7
I don't think last season was a fluke, but now there are real expectations. And is Jamal Lewis reliable? If they get the defense shored up they may live up
to the hype.
3. Baltimore Ravens 6-10
It was time to jettison Billick and start fresh. The defense has faded though, and while Troy Smith might be pretty good, they might put Flacco on the fast
track.
4. Cincinnati Bengals 5-11
I wash my hands of them. They keep getting in trouble, they never fix the defense. I feel bad for Carson Palmer, cause his career is going to waste.
SOUTH:
1. Indianapolis Colts 10-6
Injuries are a concern and they will take their toll, but I just can't see them surrendering their hold on the division yet. Especially not in Dungy's
last year.
2. Tennessee Titans 10-6
I always underestimate them and they surprise, so now we'll try the other way. Its a big year for Vince Young.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6
A gritty team that's now had some playoff success too. They have no receivers but the defense is stout.
4. Houston Texans 7-9
I'd really like to predict a playoff berth, but they just don't fit among the other 3 teams yet.
WEST:
1. San Diego Chargers 13-3
The divison should be a breeze, even if Merriman ruins his knee.
2. Oakland Raiders 9-7
My surprise team of the year. Nice offseason moves. Russell will, I think, be very good, and last year's Vikes showed what adding an instant star runner
can do. But if crotchety old Al doesn't let Kiffin coach then forget everything I just said.
3. Denver Broncos 6-10
I'm still not sold on Cutler and don't expect to be this year either. Don't underestimate letting Elam go. He won half their games last year.
4. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12
Not that I mind, but why did they trade Jared Allen?
NFC
EAST:
1. Dallas Cowboys 11-5
An original pick. I don't think they'll be super dominant all the way, but they have most of the pieces. Pacman is irrelevant really. Marion Barber has
a huge year.
2. New York Giants 10-6
These guys save football and now get written off by everyone. Not me. I love these guys. Eli won a super bowl, so I don't see him regressing now. Yeah the
DL losses hurt but they have depth.
3. Philadelphia Eagles 9-7
I'd be glad to predict a playoff run, but you just cannot count on McNabb to stay healthy a full season.
4. Washington Redskins 7-9
They fed off emotion to make the playoffs last year. They won't have that this year, and going from Gibbs to Zorn is just not an upgrade.
NORTH:
1. Minnesota Vikings 9-7
There are enough warning signs for a whole league. T-Jack's injury prone. AP is great but he was shut down late last year and Chilly seemed clueless as to
how to fix it. They have some other injury problems. McKinnie is out 4 games. Overall the first third of the schedule is brutal. Plus I just don't trust
Childress. But it's hard to see the defense not being outstanding with Jared and the Williams wall and the linebackers. And the receivers are better, so maybe
AP will have a little less of a burden.
2. Green Bay Packers 8-8
I could see the whole team rallying behind Rodgers, but he's a downgrade. He just is. Plus this team did overachieve last year to begin with.
3. Detroit Lions 8-8
Is 8-8 a surprise team? Well I do think they have a chance to do something since Martz is gone. They have a lot of offensive talent (Kevin Smith ain't just
a great director but he could be a heck of a back), and the defense has improved.
4. Chicago Bears 3-13
The defense is not near what it used to be. This thing could get ugly with Orton and Hester and...who???
SOUTH:
1. New Orleans Saints 11-5
The key is if Reggie Bush is used right and has a resurgent year. If he does this team will outscore almost everybody. And they'll have to.
2. Carolina Panthers 10-6
Every year the Panthers underperform, but here I am again predicting a good year. Delhomme stays healthy we hope, Stewart will be a good new back, and Peppers
is probably pissed last year was so bad.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8
Overachieved last year, and they all got another year older.
4. Atlanta Falcons 6-10
The Turner/Norwood running game will make them awfully competitive, and now they have a coach who wants to be there. But they're handing the reins to a
rookie QB who I don't think will ever be that good.
WEST:
1. Seattle Seahawks 10-6
Every year they win. And with Holmgren retiring there will be extra motivation.
2. Arizona Cardinals 8-8
Whisenhunt wants Leinart's career to flame out for some reason, and pinning all your hopes on an ancient Kurt Warner is risky. This team will tease a
little as it always does.
3. St. Louis Rams 6-10
Injuries decimated my super bowl pick a year ago. They probably won't be hit as hard, but they've got a lot of key guys who are old. if THIS is
Jackson's breakout season they could be a wild card contender though.
4. San Francisco 49ers 2-14
Ugh! Remember when this franchise was elite for 20 years? They're hopeless, it's gonna be years before they are contenders again.
AFC WILD CARDS: Titans & Jaguars
AFC PLAYOFFS:
Steelers over Jaguars
Colts over Titans
---------------
Colts over Hatriots (PLEASE!!)
Steelers over Chargers
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Colts over Steelers (the Colts fare better without the bye week, and by January the injury bug is hopefully gone and they can roll)
NFC WILD CARDS: Giants & Panthers
NFC PLAYOFFS:
Seahawks over Panthers
Giants over Vikings (although the Vikes do own Eli)
EAST:
1. New England Hatriots 15-1*
I'm still savoring their mighty fall on that glorious early February night. But now it's back to the reality that nothing has changed. They will still cheat
all the time, they will still get every call, ESPN's blowhards will slurp them up again, and to top it all off they have the easiest schedule you'll
ever see a defending super bowl team have. I'm just guessing they'll lose on of the 2 or 3 possible losses.
2. Buffalo Bills 8-8
They seem to be on the right track, aside from laying down like dogs against the cheaters twice. It'd help if they had a home field advantage anymore, but
now they're outsourcing home games to Toronto.
3. New York Jets 6-10
It may not sink to the Unitas w/Chargers or Namath w/Rams depths, but if you think Favre's gonna come in and resurrect this squad you're higher than
Chong. Mangina will probably be fired at season's end.
4. Miami Dolphins 2-14
I suppose Pennington could net em a better record than this, but even if he's ok there is nothing here. I think Big Tuna will right the ship in time, but
even if he were stalking the sidelines 2008 would be hopeless.
NORTH:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
Not much Steeler love out there it seems. I don't know why. The offense should be improved as Big Ben has some new weapons, and the defense should bounce
back.
2. Cleveland Browns 9-7
I don't think last season was a fluke, but now there are real expectations. And is Jamal Lewis reliable? If they get the defense shored up they may live up
to the hype.
3. Baltimore Ravens 6-10
It was time to jettison Billick and start fresh. The defense has faded though, and while Troy Smith might be pretty good, they might put Flacco on the fast
track.
4. Cincinnati Bengals 5-11
I wash my hands of them. They keep getting in trouble, they never fix the defense. I feel bad for Carson Palmer, cause his career is going to waste.
SOUTH:
1. Indianapolis Colts 10-6
Injuries are a concern and they will take their toll, but I just can't see them surrendering their hold on the division yet. Especially not in Dungy's
last year.
2. Tennessee Titans 10-6
I always underestimate them and they surprise, so now we'll try the other way. Its a big year for Vince Young.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6
A gritty team that's now had some playoff success too. They have no receivers but the defense is stout.
4. Houston Texans 7-9
I'd really like to predict a playoff berth, but they just don't fit among the other 3 teams yet.
WEST:
1. San Diego Chargers 13-3
The divison should be a breeze, even if Merriman ruins his knee.
2. Oakland Raiders 9-7
My surprise team of the year. Nice offseason moves. Russell will, I think, be very good, and last year's Vikes showed what adding an instant star runner
can do. But if crotchety old Al doesn't let Kiffin coach then forget everything I just said.
3. Denver Broncos 6-10
I'm still not sold on Cutler and don't expect to be this year either. Don't underestimate letting Elam go. He won half their games last year.
4. Kansas City Chiefs 4-12
Not that I mind, but why did they trade Jared Allen?
NFC
EAST:
1. Dallas Cowboys 11-5
An original pick. I don't think they'll be super dominant all the way, but they have most of the pieces. Pacman is irrelevant really. Marion Barber has
a huge year.
2. New York Giants 10-6
These guys save football and now get written off by everyone. Not me. I love these guys. Eli won a super bowl, so I don't see him regressing now. Yeah the
DL losses hurt but they have depth.
3. Philadelphia Eagles 9-7
I'd be glad to predict a playoff run, but you just cannot count on McNabb to stay healthy a full season.
4. Washington Redskins 7-9
They fed off emotion to make the playoffs last year. They won't have that this year, and going from Gibbs to Zorn is just not an upgrade.
NORTH:
1. Minnesota Vikings 9-7
There are enough warning signs for a whole league. T-Jack's injury prone. AP is great but he was shut down late last year and Chilly seemed clueless as to
how to fix it. They have some other injury problems. McKinnie is out 4 games. Overall the first third of the schedule is brutal. Plus I just don't trust
Childress. But it's hard to see the defense not being outstanding with Jared and the Williams wall and the linebackers. And the receivers are better, so maybe
AP will have a little less of a burden.
2. Green Bay Packers 8-8
I could see the whole team rallying behind Rodgers, but he's a downgrade. He just is. Plus this team did overachieve last year to begin with.
3. Detroit Lions 8-8
Is 8-8 a surprise team? Well I do think they have a chance to do something since Martz is gone. They have a lot of offensive talent (Kevin Smith ain't just
a great director but he could be a heck of a back), and the defense has improved.
4. Chicago Bears 3-13
The defense is not near what it used to be. This thing could get ugly with Orton and Hester and...who???
SOUTH:
1. New Orleans Saints 11-5
The key is if Reggie Bush is used right and has a resurgent year. If he does this team will outscore almost everybody. And they'll have to.
2. Carolina Panthers 10-6
Every year the Panthers underperform, but here I am again predicting a good year. Delhomme stays healthy we hope, Stewart will be a good new back, and Peppers
is probably pissed last year was so bad.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8
Overachieved last year, and they all got another year older.
4. Atlanta Falcons 6-10
The Turner/Norwood running game will make them awfully competitive, and now they have a coach who wants to be there. But they're handing the reins to a
rookie QB who I don't think will ever be that good.
WEST:
1. Seattle Seahawks 10-6
Every year they win. And with Holmgren retiring there will be extra motivation.
2. Arizona Cardinals 8-8
Whisenhunt wants Leinart's career to flame out for some reason, and pinning all your hopes on an ancient Kurt Warner is risky. This team will tease a
little as it always does.
3. St. Louis Rams 6-10
Injuries decimated my super bowl pick a year ago. They probably won't be hit as hard, but they've got a lot of key guys who are old. if THIS is
Jackson's breakout season they could be a wild card contender though.
4. San Francisco 49ers 2-14
Ugh! Remember when this franchise was elite for 20 years? They're hopeless, it's gonna be years before they are contenders again.
AFC WILD CARDS: Titans & Jaguars
AFC PLAYOFFS:
Steelers over Jaguars
Colts over Titans
---------------
Colts over Hatriots (PLEASE!!)
Steelers over Chargers
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Colts over Steelers (the Colts fare better without the bye week, and by January the injury bug is hopefully gone and they can roll)
NFC WILD CARDS: Giants & Panthers
NFC PLAYOFFS:
Seahawks over Panthers
Giants over Vikings (although the Vikes do own Eli)
-------------------
Cowboys over Giants
Saints over Seahawks
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Cowboys over Saints (if Romo and the boys get that first playoff win, the pressure will be off a bit, and frankly they are the only team with
a high quality O and D in the NFC)
SUPER BOWL XLIII
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS over DALLAS COWBOYS
(I still think the perfect finale for Dungy is possible...or the cheaters will go 19-0 this time and I'll be cursing the league forever. It all depends on
the football gods!)
Cowboys over Giants
Saints over Seahawks
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Cowboys over Saints (if Romo and the boys get that first playoff win, the pressure will be off a bit, and frankly they are the only team with
a high quality O and D in the NFC)
SUPER BOWL XLIII
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS over DALLAS COWBOYS
(I still think the perfect finale for Dungy is possible...or the cheaters will go 19-0 this time and I'll be cursing the league forever. It all depends on
the football gods!)
Week 1 Sunday:
I'd say the opening sunday was a fine omen for the new season as a whole.
TOM BRADY IS OUT FOR THE SEASON!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Karma and sweet, sweet justice come in the form of Bernard Pollard of the Chiefs, who made a perfectly legal hit (sorry Mo$$, it was clean) on Brady, and left
the Cheaters in the hands of professional backup Matt Cassel. Now, the talking heads all say that this is sad, and a bad thing for the league.
Me? I see this as karmic payback for the PHONY record setting of 2007. Brady's TD record was achieved through cheating. I still consider Peyton the record
holder, as I also still hold the '98 Vikings as the highest scoring team ever.
Also, this presents an alternate opportunity. Say Cassel comes in now and the cheaters don't lose a step. Wouldn't that prove once and for all that
Brady is not that special in the first place? That is all the system (the CHEATING system?). Sounds like a win-win.
The presumed AFC powers all stumbled out of the gate. The Colts just wrapped up a rather stunning home loss to the Bears. Granted, the new guy Forte looks good
and Manning had obvious rust. But when you surrender 29 to the Bears without any of that coming on a Hester runback, you gotta be concerned. Looks like the
Vikings might just have a chance at next week's home opener, which I'm going to.
The Chargers got burned on the final play by Jake Delhomme, maybe the least appreciated QB of this decade.
The good looking AFC teams in week 1 were led by the vastly underestimated Steelers, who blew the doors off the Texans. The Titans slugged one out over the
Jags. And Buffalo smoked Seattle.
I'd give the Bills the nod over the Jets. I grew tired of Favre-mania, but I'll admit letting out a mighty "whoa" on his 1st TD today. But
they barely beat the Dolphins, so let's not award them the super bowl just yet.
The Cowboys had their way with the overrated Browns, led by Derek Anderson, who is cursed to have a bad year since he's on my fantasy team. The Browns
defense was putrid. Philly demolished the Rams, and I'm already dreading McNabb's next season-ending injury.
I figured Atlanta would be pesky, and I totally called it on Burner Turner, but they looked awfully good, albeit it was against the Lions, who look like
doormats again.
The Saints beat Tampa, and Reggie Bush made big plays. Arizona actually won an opener for a change. The Ravens easily beat the Bengals, who might actually be
WORSE than I anticipated.
TOM BRADY IS OUT FOR THE SEASON!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Karma and sweet, sweet justice come in the form of Bernard Pollard of the Chiefs, who made a perfectly legal hit (sorry Mo$$, it was clean) on Brady, and left
the Cheaters in the hands of professional backup Matt Cassel. Now, the talking heads all say that this is sad, and a bad thing for the league.
Me? I see this as karmic payback for the PHONY record setting of 2007. Brady's TD record was achieved through cheating. I still consider Peyton the record
holder, as I also still hold the '98 Vikings as the highest scoring team ever.
Also, this presents an alternate opportunity. Say Cassel comes in now and the cheaters don't lose a step. Wouldn't that prove once and for all that
Brady is not that special in the first place? That is all the system (the CHEATING system?). Sounds like a win-win.
The presumed AFC powers all stumbled out of the gate. The Colts just wrapped up a rather stunning home loss to the Bears. Granted, the new guy Forte looks good
and Manning had obvious rust. But when you surrender 29 to the Bears without any of that coming on a Hester runback, you gotta be concerned. Looks like the
Vikings might just have a chance at next week's home opener, which I'm going to.
The Chargers got burned on the final play by Jake Delhomme, maybe the least appreciated QB of this decade.
The good looking AFC teams in week 1 were led by the vastly underestimated Steelers, who blew the doors off the Texans. The Titans slugged one out over the
Jags. And Buffalo smoked Seattle.
I'd give the Bills the nod over the Jets. I grew tired of Favre-mania, but I'll admit letting out a mighty "whoa" on his 1st TD today. But
they barely beat the Dolphins, so let's not award them the super bowl just yet.
The Cowboys had their way with the overrated Browns, led by Derek Anderson, who is cursed to have a bad year since he's on my fantasy team. The Browns
defense was putrid. Philly demolished the Rams, and I'm already dreading McNabb's next season-ending injury.
I figured Atlanta would be pesky, and I totally called it on Burner Turner, but they looked awfully good, albeit it was against the Lions, who look like
doormats again.
The Saints beat Tampa, and Reggie Bush made big plays. Arizona actually won an opener for a change. The Ravens easily beat the Bengals, who might actually be
WORSE than I anticipated.
Week 1 Monday:
PACKERS 24
VIKINGS 19
True, I did expect the Vikes to lose this game, but this was far uglier than I expected.
Last year the Vikings had a playoff berth in hand, only to piss it away with 3 dismal displays of offense to close the season. This opener was pretty much as
bad. Yes, AP was rock solid, but that was it. Tarvaris Jackson was pretty bad. He made a few good plays with his running, but how many throws of his went right
into the ground? Then he also badly overthrew on several passes. And the clinching int was an atrcious pass. Yes, the offesive line is hobbled some, but it was
able to clear space for AP and Chester. T-Jack just blew it.
The defense held up ok, but they were far from being the impressive unit they should be. They barely got to Rodgers. They let Grant gash em towards the end.
They lucked out as a couple scores were called back by penalties. But they did hold late and gave the offense a chance to go win it.
Next week's gonna be very interesting, with 2 0-2 teams with high aspirations. But if things don't improve, we could be looking at an 0-5 disaster in
the making.
VIKINGS 19
True, I did expect the Vikes to lose this game, but this was far uglier than I expected.
Last year the Vikings had a playoff berth in hand, only to piss it away with 3 dismal displays of offense to close the season. This opener was pretty much as
bad. Yes, AP was rock solid, but that was it. Tarvaris Jackson was pretty bad. He made a few good plays with his running, but how many throws of his went right
into the ground? Then he also badly overthrew on several passes. And the clinching int was an atrcious pass. Yes, the offesive line is hobbled some, but it was
able to clear space for AP and Chester. T-Jack just blew it.
The defense held up ok, but they were far from being the impressive unit they should be. They barely got to Rodgers. They let Grant gash em towards the end.
They lucked out as a couple scores were called back by penalties. But they did hold late and gave the offense a chance to go win it.
Next week's gonna be very interesting, with 2 0-2 teams with high aspirations. But if things don't improve, we could be looking at an 0-5 disaster in
the making.
____________
Oh I'm not writing off the season yet. I had them opening 0-2 and 2-3 anyway, with the 2 W's being Carolina and Tennessee. But the Panthers look
tougher than expected, and the Titans will be starting Kerry "41-donut" Collins.
tougher than expected, and the Titans will be starting Kerry "41-donut" Collins.
Week 2:
COLTS 18
VIKINGS 15
I saw it, but I didn't believe it. I didn't believe it what I saw.
Yes, I picked a loss, and an 0-2 start. But this one was a stunner for me. The Vikings were a DOMINANT team out there for about 3 quarters of football. Their
all star defense was amazing, suffocating Joseph Addai, and making life rather miserable for Peyton as well.
But that motherfucker Tarvaris Jackson...oy!!!
It's as clear as day that the Vikings would be 2-0, and on their way to the playoffs and possibly the super bowl if they had even a middle of the road QB. They
have lost 2 games, and the starting QB is the culprit in both defeats. Today was especially embarrassing. 5 field goals only, despite a routinely stellar game
from AP, and consistently good field position in the 1st half as the D was killin it. But when your QB is running around like an idiot, and missing basic
throws by 10 yards, and NEVER converting a third down...man, you take even one of those 3's and make it a 7 and they win. I have never heard louder boos
for a home team player in my life. The fans here HATE Jackson, and deservedly so.
Childress is stuck. He's hitched his coaching career to this guy, and Frerotte is not exactly the answer, so switching passers is not really an
option...unless they give Daunte Culpepper a call. I'm still confident the Vikings will crawl themselves back, just as they did last season. However, I was
banking on Green Bay taking a big step back, and I didn't think the Bears would be any factor at all. So 9 wins won't cut it. They'll need 10 or 11
to win the division, and I don't believe Jackson can lead them there.
WEEK 2 MUSINGS....
I don't know what to think about the Cheaters "win" over the Jets. It was not exactly great football. Mangina expertly played the part of
Belicheat's bitch again. They made the geezers on defense look in their prime. They made Matt Cassel look like a guy not making his 1st start since Clinton
was still president (oh happier times). Favre was lousy. But they "won" without Joe Monta...er, Tom Brady, so maybe it's ok. And the Jets stink, so
beating them woulda been possible even if the Hatriots had wanted to play fair. The Jets barely beat Miami last week, who were bombed by the Cardinals. And the
Cheaters squeaked by KC, who were crushed at home by Oakland.
Sucks to be the Chargers. Yeah, they did get screwed by the refs, but to lose again in the final minute is brutal. Props to Shanahan for going for 2.
Pittsburgh took care of Cleveland, who define overhyped. They are just a mess right now. I'm so happy to have Derek Anderson on my fantasy team.
Buffalo pulled off the upset at the Jags. Jags have Indy next week and could be 0-3. If the Cheaters have any competition in the east it'll be the Bills.
But I'm not sold yet. They started 2-0 in '03 and looked like the AFC's best team and then spent the rest of the year getting the shit kicked outta them.
The Titans beat the sorry, pathetic Bengals. Gosh I'm so glad I have TJ and Ocho on my fantasy team. They're right there with the Chiefs, Dolphins and
Rams as the worst team in the league.
Lane Kiffin saved his job temporarily, and we saw the first signs of McFadden greatness. Al Davis should just die already, seriously.
The Giants show no signs of super bowl hangover so far, and Eli keeps up his streak of playing great on the road. Yes, I know it was the Lambs. Gosh, I'm
so glad Stephen Jackson's on my fantasy team! Linehan's gone real soon.
The Skins came back to beat the Saints. Didn't Bush learn to not taunt the opponent after the '06 NFC championship?
Tampa smoked Atlanta. Arizona is 2-0 for the 1st time since I was in 7th grade. And Seattle looks like a disaster, losing the home opener to Gilbert
O'Sullivan and the Niners. When Viking castoff Billy McMullen is playing receiver you're in bad shape.
The Panthers came back to beat the scrappy Bears. I think the Bears may be a tough out all year, they're back to making big plays on defense and special
teams. I think the Vikes can win next week, as long as they cover Steve Smith.
And the Packers struggled with Detroit, final score notwithstanding, but that was through no fault of Rodgers, who looks quite good so far.
VIKINGS 15
I saw it, but I didn't believe it. I didn't believe it what I saw.
Yes, I picked a loss, and an 0-2 start. But this one was a stunner for me. The Vikings were a DOMINANT team out there for about 3 quarters of football. Their
all star defense was amazing, suffocating Joseph Addai, and making life rather miserable for Peyton as well.
But that motherfucker Tarvaris Jackson...oy!!!
It's as clear as day that the Vikings would be 2-0, and on their way to the playoffs and possibly the super bowl if they had even a middle of the road QB. They
have lost 2 games, and the starting QB is the culprit in both defeats. Today was especially embarrassing. 5 field goals only, despite a routinely stellar game
from AP, and consistently good field position in the 1st half as the D was killin it. But when your QB is running around like an idiot, and missing basic
throws by 10 yards, and NEVER converting a third down...man, you take even one of those 3's and make it a 7 and they win. I have never heard louder boos
for a home team player in my life. The fans here HATE Jackson, and deservedly so.
Childress is stuck. He's hitched his coaching career to this guy, and Frerotte is not exactly the answer, so switching passers is not really an
option...unless they give Daunte Culpepper a call. I'm still confident the Vikings will crawl themselves back, just as they did last season. However, I was
banking on Green Bay taking a big step back, and I didn't think the Bears would be any factor at all. So 9 wins won't cut it. They'll need 10 or 11
to win the division, and I don't believe Jackson can lead them there.
WEEK 2 MUSINGS....
I don't know what to think about the Cheaters "win" over the Jets. It was not exactly great football. Mangina expertly played the part of
Belicheat's bitch again. They made the geezers on defense look in their prime. They made Matt Cassel look like a guy not making his 1st start since Clinton
was still president (oh happier times). Favre was lousy. But they "won" without Joe Monta...er, Tom Brady, so maybe it's ok. And the Jets stink, so
beating them woulda been possible even if the Hatriots had wanted to play fair. The Jets barely beat Miami last week, who were bombed by the Cardinals. And the
Cheaters squeaked by KC, who were crushed at home by Oakland.
Sucks to be the Chargers. Yeah, they did get screwed by the refs, but to lose again in the final minute is brutal. Props to Shanahan for going for 2.
Pittsburgh took care of Cleveland, who define overhyped. They are just a mess right now. I'm so happy to have Derek Anderson on my fantasy team.
Buffalo pulled off the upset at the Jags. Jags have Indy next week and could be 0-3. If the Cheaters have any competition in the east it'll be the Bills.
But I'm not sold yet. They started 2-0 in '03 and looked like the AFC's best team and then spent the rest of the year getting the shit kicked outta them.
The Titans beat the sorry, pathetic Bengals. Gosh I'm so glad I have TJ and Ocho on my fantasy team. They're right there with the Chiefs, Dolphins and
Rams as the worst team in the league.
Lane Kiffin saved his job temporarily, and we saw the first signs of McFadden greatness. Al Davis should just die already, seriously.
The Giants show no signs of super bowl hangover so far, and Eli keeps up his streak of playing great on the road. Yes, I know it was the Lambs. Gosh, I'm
so glad Stephen Jackson's on my fantasy team! Linehan's gone real soon.
The Skins came back to beat the Saints. Didn't Bush learn to not taunt the opponent after the '06 NFC championship?
Tampa smoked Atlanta. Arizona is 2-0 for the 1st time since I was in 7th grade. And Seattle looks like a disaster, losing the home opener to Gilbert
O'Sullivan and the Niners. When Viking castoff Billy McMullen is playing receiver you're in bad shape.
The Panthers came back to beat the scrappy Bears. I think the Bears may be a tough out all year, they're back to making big plays on defense and special
teams. I think the Vikes can win next week, as long as they cover Steve Smith.
And the Packers struggled with Detroit, final score notwithstanding, but that was through no fault of Rodgers, who looks quite good so far.
Week 3:
VIKINGS 20
PANTHERS 10
Game number 3 went as I expected the first 2 to go. I just could not see the Vikes going 0-3, and indeed by winning they at least for now got their season back
on A track.
The big QB switch was not a glorious success (it had no chance to be since Gus Frerotte is merely an average journeyman), but Gus was alright. He hit a couple
long-ish throws, and generally managed things better than T-Jack. And he did so with a less than 100% AP. A similar performance level like this going forward
will benefit the team in a big way...
...because this defense is SO GOOD! There is not a team on the schedule that can possibly dominate this defense. The run defense has not lost a beat. The pass rush swarms (Allen already has a couple sacks), and perhaps as a result the pass defense is significantly better. Delhomme and Smith connected a couple times,
but it wasn't like they went up and down the field. And the D went into total lockdown mode in the 2nd half.
Now it's off to Tennessee for a tough game. Facing Kerry Collins cannot help but remind me of "41 donut", but the Titans live and die with the run.
PANTHERS 10
Game number 3 went as I expected the first 2 to go. I just could not see the Vikes going 0-3, and indeed by winning they at least for now got their season back
on A track.
The big QB switch was not a glorious success (it had no chance to be since Gus Frerotte is merely an average journeyman), but Gus was alright. He hit a couple
long-ish throws, and generally managed things better than T-Jack. And he did so with a less than 100% AP. A similar performance level like this going forward
will benefit the team in a big way...
...because this defense is SO GOOD! There is not a team on the schedule that can possibly dominate this defense. The run defense has not lost a beat. The pass rush swarms (Allen already has a couple sacks), and perhaps as a result the pass defense is significantly better. Delhomme and Smith connected a couple times,
but it wasn't like they went up and down the field. And the D went into total lockdown mode in the 2nd half.
Now it's off to Tennessee for a tough game. Facing Kerry Collins cannot help but remind me of "41 donut", but the Titans live and die with the run.
The division coulda gotten away from the Vikes today, but they won, and Dallas pretty much kicked Green Bay's ass IN Lambeau. Let's hold off on erecting
that Aaron Rodgers statue for a while. Chicago, thanks to "Peanut brain" Tillman, blew a game against Tampa Bay. And Detroit is absolutely
worthless (again). So the purple is right back in this thing again. What a difference a week makes.
Elsewhere....
The only thing better than seeing the Vikes win today (in person) was looking over at the scores to see the Dolphins were humiliating the cheating loser
Hatriots!
HAAAHAAAHAAA!!!!
The 2 times the score was announced at the dome, huge applause came (led by me naturally:)). That got a larger applause than the Bucs (temporary) lead over
Chicago, a Viking rival. People HATE the Patriots. Outside of Boston, every true, respectable football fan despises that franchise and what they did and HOW
they did what they did. So we all relished in seeing them destroyed by a 1-15 team that was 0-2 coming in. Perhaps the cupcake schedule the NFL gave them this
year won't save threm after all.
Buffalo is in 1st place. They had trouble against the Raiders though. Lane Kiffin should be commended for how he's faring during this whole ordeal Al Davis
is putting him through.
Tennessee is still unbeaten, as they crushed sorry Houston. And they're 2 games clear of the Jags and Colts. Indy's injury problems are just not gonna
let them do it this year. The Jags aren't amazing though, so Indy should still be in wild card contention even if the division isn't theirs this year.
Denver went to 3-0 as well, winning another shootout with the Saints. If the Chargers lose on MNF they'll be 2 games up on the field. I don't see Oakland as a division contender, and KC is pitiful. Guess I no longer have to lament the loss of Tyler Thigpen.
Baltimore is 2-0, as they whipped the Browns, who are hopelessly inept right now. Nice job giving Anderson that huge contract. We can see what he's all about now. Warm up Brady Quinn, guys!
Pittsburgh got smashed by Philly. Big Ben had NO chance in the game. That offensive line should forfeit their game checks. Your QB's out there, gutting it
out with a busted shoulder, and on every play he's getting the crap kicked out of him cause you guys can't make any blocks. I know Faneca's good, but his loss cannot explain THAT!
The Cowboys are 3-0. The Giants are 3-0, though they really struggled with Cincy. I guess the Bungles are still talented enough to be dangerous. They suck, but
they're dangerous. Philly is a rock soid 2-1, but McNabb and Westbrook are banged up. Washington is 2-1 and getting better. Nice division.
Break up the Falcons! 2-1. But wins against the Lions and Chiefs, so it's a phony 2-1. Carolina's 2-1 is more legit. Tampa pulled one out but I can't see Brian Griese leading a team anywhere. The Saints got the O, but not the D.
Seattle got their tonic courtesy of the Rams. The Rams have Buffalo next week and then the bye, so Lenihan might be outta here. Can't say it's undeserved.
I'm not sure there's ever been a worse 3 game start before. Arizona lost for the 1st time. The 49ers are a surprising 2-1...but they beat the Lions.
that Aaron Rodgers statue for a while. Chicago, thanks to "Peanut brain" Tillman, blew a game against Tampa Bay. And Detroit is absolutely
worthless (again). So the purple is right back in this thing again. What a difference a week makes.
Elsewhere....
The only thing better than seeing the Vikes win today (in person) was looking over at the scores to see the Dolphins were humiliating the cheating loser
Hatriots!
HAAAHAAAHAAA!!!!
The 2 times the score was announced at the dome, huge applause came (led by me naturally:)). That got a larger applause than the Bucs (temporary) lead over
Chicago, a Viking rival. People HATE the Patriots. Outside of Boston, every true, respectable football fan despises that franchise and what they did and HOW
they did what they did. So we all relished in seeing them destroyed by a 1-15 team that was 0-2 coming in. Perhaps the cupcake schedule the NFL gave them this
year won't save threm after all.
Buffalo is in 1st place. They had trouble against the Raiders though. Lane Kiffin should be commended for how he's faring during this whole ordeal Al Davis
is putting him through.
Tennessee is still unbeaten, as they crushed sorry Houston. And they're 2 games clear of the Jags and Colts. Indy's injury problems are just not gonna
let them do it this year. The Jags aren't amazing though, so Indy should still be in wild card contention even if the division isn't theirs this year.
Denver went to 3-0 as well, winning another shootout with the Saints. If the Chargers lose on MNF they'll be 2 games up on the field. I don't see Oakland as a division contender, and KC is pitiful. Guess I no longer have to lament the loss of Tyler Thigpen.
Baltimore is 2-0, as they whipped the Browns, who are hopelessly inept right now. Nice job giving Anderson that huge contract. We can see what he's all about now. Warm up Brady Quinn, guys!
Pittsburgh got smashed by Philly. Big Ben had NO chance in the game. That offensive line should forfeit their game checks. Your QB's out there, gutting it
out with a busted shoulder, and on every play he's getting the crap kicked out of him cause you guys can't make any blocks. I know Faneca's good, but his loss cannot explain THAT!
The Cowboys are 3-0. The Giants are 3-0, though they really struggled with Cincy. I guess the Bungles are still talented enough to be dangerous. They suck, but
they're dangerous. Philly is a rock soid 2-1, but McNabb and Westbrook are banged up. Washington is 2-1 and getting better. Nice division.
Break up the Falcons! 2-1. But wins against the Lions and Chiefs, so it's a phony 2-1. Carolina's 2-1 is more legit. Tampa pulled one out but I can't see Brian Griese leading a team anywhere. The Saints got the O, but not the D.
Seattle got their tonic courtesy of the Rams. The Rams have Buffalo next week and then the bye, so Lenihan might be outta here. Can't say it's undeserved.
I'm not sure there's ever been a worse 3 game start before. Arizona lost for the 1st time. The 49ers are a surprising 2-1...but they beat the Lions.
[[And now we skip right ahead to...]]
Week 17:
What better way to inch back into this thread of mine then to celebrate a Sunday afternoon which saw the Vikings clinch their first division title since 2000,
and which also saw the sorry ass cheating Patriots ELIMINATED! Sports Illustrated was right. This IS the best sports year ever!![]()
![]()
VIKINGS 20
GIANTS 19
So ok, the lay person who might stumble onto this thread, or one with no knowledge of the NFL, has not followed the season. I left off way back in September.
The short Viking recap is this:
Mediocre for 2 months, with only a nice win at New Orleans (aided by refs) and a win over Detroit the refs gave us too. Then Adrian Peterson put the team on his back and single handedly gave them a late win against Green Bay. A bad loss at Tampa Bay, courtesy of Gus Frerotte (whom statues yell at to move his ass), was
followed by a 4 game win streak (Jacksonville, a stirring whoopin of da Bears at Metrodome, again barely squeaking by Detroit, and then a win at Arizona, the
latter 2 thanks to a resurgent Tarvaris Jackson). Last week they coulda wrapped it all up, but they handed a game to the tough Falcons.
Meanwhile the Bears got every break imaginable with back to back OT wins over the Saints and Packers. So the Vikes had to win today, or hope the Bears lost at
Houston.
I didn't enter the dome confident today at all. No sane person should, on the 5 year anniversary of the Nate Poole 4th and 26 catch, or the 33 anniversary of the Drew Pearson push-off. I expected doom...and doom looked to be here with the score 19-10 Giants in the 4th quarter. I had turned to anxiously following
the Bears game score on my cell phone. (Brad Childress refused to let the score be shown on the scoreboard, a cowardly move, I felt)
The Giants sat Eli down at halftime, so we were being handled by David friggin Carr. The defense was not its usual self today. There were missed tackles
galore, and this was with Brandon Jacobs deactivated. But they held em to field goals mostly. The Vikes offense was average. AP wasn't getting off as usual, though for some reason they kept running him wide which drove me nuts. He broke one long TD, enough to secure the first rushing title in franchise history, but he was not stellar. Jackson wasn't either. He threw a terrible pick in the endzone, and gave his weakest showing since coming back off the
bench.
But a few receivers got open, including Berrian for a TD. And despite some typically awful Childress-led clock managment, they were able to win it on a long
Longwell field goal. And the Bears lost anyway.
I did lots of scoreboard watching of course. The early game I was most invested in was of course Bills vs Hatriots. I had no real belief Buffalo would show up. The Bills were once 4-0 but fell apart completely, save for last week's upset st Invesco. And the Bills got shut out by the most fraudulent 11-5 team
you'll ever see. I'll get back to them.
I also had my eye on the Lions quest to go 0-16. I have no personal hatred for the Lions. The only team I actively root against is New England, but I'll
admit I really wanted them to finish 0-16. And Green Bay finished em off.
The NFC south race also was at stake in the early games. Carolina had a huge lead at New Orleans but needed a last second FG to win. Boo to Saints WR Lance
Moore btw for quitting his route on the final pass from Drew Brees that coulda set the passing yardage record.
Atlanta got an unexpected fight from the pathetic Rams but ended up winning.
The stunner was in Tampa, where the once 9-3 Bucs collapsed and were eliminated by losing at home to hapless Oakland. Cadillac Williams also blew out his other knee and likely saw his career end.
The rest of the early games were kinda meaningless. The Colts shut out the Titans for their 9th straight win. Peyton Manning is your MVP for sure. I mighta
voted for Peterson but his fumbles cost them the Atlanta game. The Steelers crushed the utterly sad Browns, but did lose Big Ben. No surprise. Anyone who's seen the Steeler pass protection this year knew Ben was a bad injury waiting to happen.
As for the Browns, Crennel is fired after his overhyped team went 4-12 and didn't score a touchdown in the last 6 games. Wow!
The late games that no one cared about saw the Niners finish up 7-9 and earn Singletary the head coach job for good. Mike Holmgren went out with a whimper at
4-12.
But after I picked up my playoff ticket, it was hurry home to see the big late games...and oh please oh please see the Dolphins and Ravens win.
The Ravens won easy, as I think everyone expected. But could Miami finish off the rebound from 1-15, and beat the choking dog Jets and win the AFC east, thus
ridding us of the Cheaters???
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
The poetic justice of Chad Pennington winning in the Meadowlands is delicious, although the Jets were their own worst enemy. They scored 3 measely points on
the Seahawks last week! When Favre and them beat the Patriots last month I thought they had slayed the dragon (the dragon that cheats), but they tanked it after that, while the Dolphins surged. I didn't like having to root so hard against Favre in what could be his last game (for real this time), but I could not stomach another undeserved playoff berth for Belicheat.
Already we have all this whining about how an 11-5 team isn't in the playoffs. Would we have had such crying is the Dolphins had lost and been a 10-6 team
left out? No! FUCK THE GOD DAMN PATRIOTS! They got what they deserved, just like they did in the last super bowl. 11-5? Who the hell did they play? A cupcake
schedule. They fattened up their record by beating/cheating teams like Seattle, St.Louis, KC, Buffalo and Oakland. When they played legit teams (Indy, San
Diego, Pittsburgh), they lost. The only playoff teams they beat were Miami (who also beat them), and then there was that joke of a game last week where Arizona
gave maybe the single worst effort in NFL history. The Lions woulda beat em by 28 points that day. The Hatriots season worked out quite well for me. It proved
Tom Brady is nothing but an overhyped pretty boy. Cassell put up numbers similar to every Brady season except '07 despite being a backup since high school.
Or if you wanna look at it a different way, it proved that the BeliCHEAT system is alive and well, that any player would perform the same due to Billy's
cheating. And they STILL didn't make the playoffs.
As for who the Vikings would play, that was no contest. Philly mauled the Cowboys. I'm glad Philly made it in, and not just cause I think it gives the
Vikes a better chance at a playoff win. Dallas...what a collapse. This was an NFL season of collapses really (Dallas, Denver, Tampa & the Jets, not to
mention the Bills, Packers and Redskins, who all looked like playoff locks earlier on). Frankly, Dallas' overhype got on my nerves all year.
And tonight the Chargers, who were all but dead at KC a couple weeks ago before a furious rally, completed an unthinkable run to an 8-8 division title. Once
again Denver suffers the "Curse Of Plummer", as again they gag it as punishment for the way they ran Jake Plummer out of town.
PLAYOFFS:
I could see all 4 road teams winning in the wild card round. Officially the Vikings are the only home pick for me, and that's without a lot of conviction.
I think Atlanta crushes Arizona, Baltimore will beat Miami, and the Colts will beat the Chargers.
and which also saw the sorry ass cheating Patriots ELIMINATED! Sports Illustrated was right. This IS the best sports year ever!
VIKINGS 20
GIANTS 19
So ok, the lay person who might stumble onto this thread, or one with no knowledge of the NFL, has not followed the season. I left off way back in September.
The short Viking recap is this:
Mediocre for 2 months, with only a nice win at New Orleans (aided by refs) and a win over Detroit the refs gave us too. Then Adrian Peterson put the team on his back and single handedly gave them a late win against Green Bay. A bad loss at Tampa Bay, courtesy of Gus Frerotte (whom statues yell at to move his ass), was
followed by a 4 game win streak (Jacksonville, a stirring whoopin of da Bears at Metrodome, again barely squeaking by Detroit, and then a win at Arizona, the
latter 2 thanks to a resurgent Tarvaris Jackson). Last week they coulda wrapped it all up, but they handed a game to the tough Falcons.
Meanwhile the Bears got every break imaginable with back to back OT wins over the Saints and Packers. So the Vikes had to win today, or hope the Bears lost at
Houston.
I didn't enter the dome confident today at all. No sane person should, on the 5 year anniversary of the Nate Poole 4th and 26 catch, or the 33 anniversary of the Drew Pearson push-off. I expected doom...and doom looked to be here with the score 19-10 Giants in the 4th quarter. I had turned to anxiously following
the Bears game score on my cell phone. (Brad Childress refused to let the score be shown on the scoreboard, a cowardly move, I felt)
The Giants sat Eli down at halftime, so we were being handled by David friggin Carr. The defense was not its usual self today. There were missed tackles
galore, and this was with Brandon Jacobs deactivated. But they held em to field goals mostly. The Vikes offense was average. AP wasn't getting off as usual, though for some reason they kept running him wide which drove me nuts. He broke one long TD, enough to secure the first rushing title in franchise history, but he was not stellar. Jackson wasn't either. He threw a terrible pick in the endzone, and gave his weakest showing since coming back off the
bench.
But a few receivers got open, including Berrian for a TD. And despite some typically awful Childress-led clock managment, they were able to win it on a long
Longwell field goal. And the Bears lost anyway.
I did lots of scoreboard watching of course. The early game I was most invested in was of course Bills vs Hatriots. I had no real belief Buffalo would show up. The Bills were once 4-0 but fell apart completely, save for last week's upset st Invesco. And the Bills got shut out by the most fraudulent 11-5 team
you'll ever see. I'll get back to them.
I also had my eye on the Lions quest to go 0-16. I have no personal hatred for the Lions. The only team I actively root against is New England, but I'll
admit I really wanted them to finish 0-16. And Green Bay finished em off.
The NFC south race also was at stake in the early games. Carolina had a huge lead at New Orleans but needed a last second FG to win. Boo to Saints WR Lance
Moore btw for quitting his route on the final pass from Drew Brees that coulda set the passing yardage record.
Atlanta got an unexpected fight from the pathetic Rams but ended up winning.
The stunner was in Tampa, where the once 9-3 Bucs collapsed and were eliminated by losing at home to hapless Oakland. Cadillac Williams also blew out his other knee and likely saw his career end.
The rest of the early games were kinda meaningless. The Colts shut out the Titans for their 9th straight win. Peyton Manning is your MVP for sure. I mighta
voted for Peterson but his fumbles cost them the Atlanta game. The Steelers crushed the utterly sad Browns, but did lose Big Ben. No surprise. Anyone who's seen the Steeler pass protection this year knew Ben was a bad injury waiting to happen.
As for the Browns, Crennel is fired after his overhyped team went 4-12 and didn't score a touchdown in the last 6 games. Wow!
The late games that no one cared about saw the Niners finish up 7-9 and earn Singletary the head coach job for good. Mike Holmgren went out with a whimper at
4-12.
But after I picked up my playoff ticket, it was hurry home to see the big late games...and oh please oh please see the Dolphins and Ravens win.
The Ravens won easy, as I think everyone expected. But could Miami finish off the rebound from 1-15, and beat the choking dog Jets and win the AFC east, thus
ridding us of the Cheaters???
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
The poetic justice of Chad Pennington winning in the Meadowlands is delicious, although the Jets were their own worst enemy. They scored 3 measely points on
the Seahawks last week! When Favre and them beat the Patriots last month I thought they had slayed the dragon (the dragon that cheats), but they tanked it after that, while the Dolphins surged. I didn't like having to root so hard against Favre in what could be his last game (for real this time), but I could not stomach another undeserved playoff berth for Belicheat.
Already we have all this whining about how an 11-5 team isn't in the playoffs. Would we have had such crying is the Dolphins had lost and been a 10-6 team
left out? No! FUCK THE GOD DAMN PATRIOTS! They got what they deserved, just like they did in the last super bowl. 11-5? Who the hell did they play? A cupcake
schedule. They fattened up their record by beating/cheating teams like Seattle, St.Louis, KC, Buffalo and Oakland. When they played legit teams (Indy, San
Diego, Pittsburgh), they lost. The only playoff teams they beat were Miami (who also beat them), and then there was that joke of a game last week where Arizona
gave maybe the single worst effort in NFL history. The Lions woulda beat em by 28 points that day. The Hatriots season worked out quite well for me. It proved
Tom Brady is nothing but an overhyped pretty boy. Cassell put up numbers similar to every Brady season except '07 despite being a backup since high school.
Or if you wanna look at it a different way, it proved that the BeliCHEAT system is alive and well, that any player would perform the same due to Billy's
cheating. And they STILL didn't make the playoffs.
As for who the Vikings would play, that was no contest. Philly mauled the Cowboys. I'm glad Philly made it in, and not just cause I think it gives the
Vikes a better chance at a playoff win. Dallas...what a collapse. This was an NFL season of collapses really (Dallas, Denver, Tampa & the Jets, not to
mention the Bills, Packers and Redskins, who all looked like playoff locks earlier on). Frankly, Dallas' overhype got on my nerves all year.
And tonight the Chargers, who were all but dead at KC a couple weeks ago before a furious rally, completed an unthinkable run to an 8-8 division title. Once
again Denver suffers the "Curse Of Plummer", as again they gag it as punishment for the way they ran Jake Plummer out of town.
PLAYOFFS:
I could see all 4 road teams winning in the wild card round. Officially the Vikings are the only home pick for me, and that's without a lot of conviction.
I think Atlanta crushes Arizona, Baltimore will beat Miami, and the Colts will beat the Chargers.
Wild Card Saturday:
CARDINALS 30
FALCONS 24
This was a surprise. I mean, Zona did not even compete in some of their late season games. But Atlanta played like a young team in over their heads. Matt Ryan
finally looked like a rookie. Michael Turner stunk, perhaps as punishment for getting more MVP votes than Peterson. Edgerrin James came back to life, since he wants to leave and get a big new contract. I see this as their last moment in the sun for this year, and Atlanta will be back plenty with this current crop.
CHARGERS 23
COLTS 17 in OT
The better team won. As a Colts fan, this game scared me going in, and I also now have to rethink how I rooted for the Chargers to overtake Denver, since the
Bronocs would've been easy for Indy to throttle.
The Colts, aside from the deserving MVP, were godawful. The offensive line stunk. The running game stunk. Joseph Addai is far too mediocre a back to be the main guy on a championship team (Rhodes was the main guy 2 years ago). The defense was an embarrassment, committing unforgivable penalties on the last drive, and
simply refusing to make tackles all game long. Yes Sproles is shifty, but they made him look superhuman. And next time you meet, you might want to actually
cover Antonio Gates.
The coaching too was very bad. Dungy challenged one call that he had NO chance to overturn, then let one go right after that which was far more questionable. The play calls on a couple short yardage situations were awful. On one Charger 4th and 1 the defense only had 4 men on the line, which means a parapalegic
could convert a yard.
It was probably the worst game the Colts played all season long, and it's starting to look like Peyton's one championship is all he'll ever get. Yes they went 12-4, but this team needs a LOT of fixing whether Dungy comes back or not.
The Chargers could beat the Titans maybe, but not the Steelers, not with LT out.
FALCONS 24
This was a surprise. I mean, Zona did not even compete in some of their late season games. But Atlanta played like a young team in over their heads. Matt Ryan
finally looked like a rookie. Michael Turner stunk, perhaps as punishment for getting more MVP votes than Peterson. Edgerrin James came back to life, since he wants to leave and get a big new contract. I see this as their last moment in the sun for this year, and Atlanta will be back plenty with this current crop.
CHARGERS 23
COLTS 17 in OT
The better team won. As a Colts fan, this game scared me going in, and I also now have to rethink how I rooted for the Chargers to overtake Denver, since the
Bronocs would've been easy for Indy to throttle.
The Colts, aside from the deserving MVP, were godawful. The offensive line stunk. The running game stunk. Joseph Addai is far too mediocre a back to be the main guy on a championship team (Rhodes was the main guy 2 years ago). The defense was an embarrassment, committing unforgivable penalties on the last drive, and
simply refusing to make tackles all game long. Yes Sproles is shifty, but they made him look superhuman. And next time you meet, you might want to actually
cover Antonio Gates.
The coaching too was very bad. Dungy challenged one call that he had NO chance to overturn, then let one go right after that which was far more questionable. The play calls on a couple short yardage situations were awful. On one Charger 4th and 1 the defense only had 4 men on the line, which means a parapalegic
could convert a yard.
It was probably the worst game the Colts played all season long, and it's starting to look like Peyton's one championship is all he'll ever get. Yes they went 12-4, but this team needs a LOT of fixing whether Dungy comes back or not.
The Chargers could beat the Titans maybe, but not the Steelers, not with LT out.
Wild Card Sunday:
EAGLES 26
VIKINGS 14
No failure in Minnesota sports surprises me anymore, but my god! Can I just ONCE go to a sporting event in this town and not be totally disgusted by what I
see?
For all the accomplishments of a 10-6, division winning season, to come out in a home playoff game and lay a turd like this just eradicates all the progress
this team seemed to have made.
The crowd was deafening. The defense was fired up. The Eagles are still an erratic team capable of imploding. But one final time this season we are reminded
that Brad Childress is our head coach, and that he has tied all the team's hopes to a pathetically weak QB position.
VIKINGS 14
No failure in Minnesota sports surprises me anymore, but my god! Can I just ONCE go to a sporting event in this town and not be totally disgusted by what I
see?
For all the accomplishments of a 10-6, division winning season, to come out in a home playoff game and lay a turd like this just eradicates all the progress
this team seemed to have made.
The crowd was deafening. The defense was fired up. The Eagles are still an erratic team capable of imploding. But one final time this season we are reminded
that Brad Childress is our head coach, and that he has tied all the team's hopes to a pathetically weak QB position.
I'm not gonna say that Tarvaris Jackson was the lone reason for the defeat. But he's tops on the list. The pick six he threw to Samuel...you CAN'T
do that. And he's lucky there weren't a couple more going the other way. He drops a snap to essentially end the game. He throws passes right into the ground. He reverted right back to being the mess he was early this season. Now we can no longer even praise him for turning the corner. He hasn't. He WON'T. He should never again be anything but a backup quarterback. Now, I am not saying that putting in Frerotte would've been solving anything, but it's
an indictment of Chilly that he HAS no good options at the most important position on the field.
The defense let em down some today too. The tackling on the Westbrook TD was awful. But at numerous times today the Eagles were deep in their own end and the
defense let em get a few first downs and change field position.
And the special teams gave up a long return that handed em 3 points. All season they did this.
And naturally there were coaching blunders, especially the end of the first half where they gave the Eagles a shot at more points.
The game was 16-14 for most of the 2nd half, but I just never felt like the Vikings were gonna come through. And now the season is over. 10-6 and a division championship is ok. It's on par with my expectations, but the fact is that aside from at QB this team has everything it needs to win a super bowl. But it
won't for long. Guys get older, Peterson won't be elite forever, it's just the nature of the position he plays. Stars vanish in the blink of an eye. One has to think back to the preseason, when they had tried to get Brett Favre. Would he have proved to be the missing link? Yes he had problems in NY, but he didn't want to be there in the first place.
Fact is, solving the QB position will determine if this team will ever contend for a super bowl.
RAVENS 27
DOLPHINS 9
I only saw the 1st half, but clearly the Ravens dominated. One wonders how Brian Billick kept missing the playoffs with this team. Ed Reed might be the best player in the whole damn league. The Dolphins weren't ready. They wildly overachieved this year, and did their part for the greater good by keeping the
Hatriots out of the playoffs. Now go be at peace.
As for next weekend, it looks good for the home teams, but watch out Tennessee. The Ravens are going to beat you!
do that. And he's lucky there weren't a couple more going the other way. He drops a snap to essentially end the game. He throws passes right into the ground. He reverted right back to being the mess he was early this season. Now we can no longer even praise him for turning the corner. He hasn't. He WON'T. He should never again be anything but a backup quarterback. Now, I am not saying that putting in Frerotte would've been solving anything, but it's
an indictment of Chilly that he HAS no good options at the most important position on the field.
The defense let em down some today too. The tackling on the Westbrook TD was awful. But at numerous times today the Eagles were deep in their own end and the
defense let em get a few first downs and change field position.
And the special teams gave up a long return that handed em 3 points. All season they did this.
And naturally there were coaching blunders, especially the end of the first half where they gave the Eagles a shot at more points.
The game was 16-14 for most of the 2nd half, but I just never felt like the Vikings were gonna come through. And now the season is over. 10-6 and a division championship is ok. It's on par with my expectations, but the fact is that aside from at QB this team has everything it needs to win a super bowl. But it
won't for long. Guys get older, Peterson won't be elite forever, it's just the nature of the position he plays. Stars vanish in the blink of an eye. One has to think back to the preseason, when they had tried to get Brett Favre. Would he have proved to be the missing link? Yes he had problems in NY, but he didn't want to be there in the first place.
Fact is, solving the QB position will determine if this team will ever contend for a super bowl.
RAVENS 27
DOLPHINS 9
I only saw the 1st half, but clearly the Ravens dominated. One wonders how Brian Billick kept missing the playoffs with this team. Ed Reed might be the best player in the whole damn league. The Dolphins weren't ready. They wildly overachieved this year, and did their part for the greater good by keeping the
Hatriots out of the playoffs. Now go be at peace.
As for next weekend, it looks good for the home teams, but watch out Tennessee. The Ravens are going to beat you!
Divisional Playoffs:
RAVENS 13
TITANS 10
Only the Ravens seem to be following my predicted form so far. This was a darn good game though if you appreciate defense. Hard hitting, brutal stuff, and
hands down the best defense of this decade came out on top. Yes, the Ravens have been amazing since the turn of the century, and they dominated this time without the usual big plays by Ed Reed. And yes, this game went the way it did largely cause the Titans imploded at the worst possible times. Lendale White and Alge Crumpler fumbling like they did...inexcusable. And Collins again falls hard against Baltimore. And the blown call on the delay of game was crucial, but
one suspects the Ravens woulda won anyway. Flacco didn't do a lot, but it was enough, and this is going to be your super bowl champion in a few weeks,
against all odds.
CARDINALS 33
PANTHERS 13
I didn't see this one coming, and nobody did, and anyone who SAYS they did is a liar. We can always assume that Carolina will throw in a clunker, sometimes for a full season, but the way Arizona has completely turned it around since the playoffs began is one of the biggest stunners I have ever seen. This is Larry Fitzgerald's coming out party. Jake Delhomme had maybe the worst game any QB has ever had in the playoffs (he'd have to be on the list).
EAGLES 23
GIANTS 11
The Giants ran out of gas, and players, by the end. It's an accomplishment to get back to this level despite losing Strahan, Umenyiora and disPlexico all since
the super bowl. The Eagle revival continues, led by McNabb (guess us Viking fans can no longer hope to get him in the offseason) and the only defense inferior
to the Ravens right now.
STEELERS 35
CHARGERS 24
Not as close as the final score, especially in the 2nd half, when the Steelers dominated the ball. This was maybe the best game they have played offensively
all year long. Ben was in a zone, and barely missed a few other big passes. Parker was excellent. The Chargers showed they were an 8-8 team. And I really have
lost a great deal of respect for Tomlinson. Ok, maybe he's hurt too bad to play, but this is two straight years, and his will to win does not seem real strong.
CHAMPIONSHIP PICKS:
RAVENS OVER STEELERS (I picked the Ravens in both regular season games too btw)
EAGLES OVER CARDINALS
TITANS 10
Only the Ravens seem to be following my predicted form so far. This was a darn good game though if you appreciate defense. Hard hitting, brutal stuff, and
hands down the best defense of this decade came out on top. Yes, the Ravens have been amazing since the turn of the century, and they dominated this time without the usual big plays by Ed Reed. And yes, this game went the way it did largely cause the Titans imploded at the worst possible times. Lendale White and Alge Crumpler fumbling like they did...inexcusable. And Collins again falls hard against Baltimore. And the blown call on the delay of game was crucial, but
one suspects the Ravens woulda won anyway. Flacco didn't do a lot, but it was enough, and this is going to be your super bowl champion in a few weeks,
against all odds.
CARDINALS 33
PANTHERS 13
I didn't see this one coming, and nobody did, and anyone who SAYS they did is a liar. We can always assume that Carolina will throw in a clunker, sometimes for a full season, but the way Arizona has completely turned it around since the playoffs began is one of the biggest stunners I have ever seen. This is Larry Fitzgerald's coming out party. Jake Delhomme had maybe the worst game any QB has ever had in the playoffs (he'd have to be on the list).
EAGLES 23
GIANTS 11
The Giants ran out of gas, and players, by the end. It's an accomplishment to get back to this level despite losing Strahan, Umenyiora and disPlexico all since
the super bowl. The Eagle revival continues, led by McNabb (guess us Viking fans can no longer hope to get him in the offseason) and the only defense inferior
to the Ravens right now.
STEELERS 35
CHARGERS 24
Not as close as the final score, especially in the 2nd half, when the Steelers dominated the ball. This was maybe the best game they have played offensively
all year long. Ben was in a zone, and barely missed a few other big passes. Parker was excellent. The Chargers showed they were an 8-8 team. And I really have
lost a great deal of respect for Tomlinson. Ok, maybe he's hurt too bad to play, but this is two straight years, and his will to win does not seem real strong.
CHAMPIONSHIP PICKS:
RAVENS OVER STEELERS (I picked the Ravens in both regular season games too btw)
EAGLES OVER CARDINALS
Conference Championships:
CARDINALS 32
EAGLES 25
The Cardinals are right. Nobody gave them a chance...but that was deserved. Anybody who saw this team get blown away by the Vikings (they made T-Jack into the offensive player of the week!), and give arguably the worst effort in sports history at snowy Foxboro could not have had any realistic expectations of a super
bowl run. Now true, their run to the big game was not exactly a murderers row. Atlanta was wet behind the ears, Jake Delhomme had the worst game of his career, and today the Eagles turned back into the screwy Eagles of midseason. But the Cardinals, 9-7 though they were, took their two biggest flaws and have erased both in the playoffs. Now they can run the ball, and they can play pretty good defense. Kurt Warner has fully resurected his career, and he can thank emerging superstar Larry Fitzgerald, aka Fitzy. Fitzy is dominating the game at WR right now like I haven't seen since Randy Moss' rookie year. Even with his
"greatest show on turf" Ram teams Kurt never had a receiver THIS uncoverable. I'm not sure what the Cardinals run says about the league now. It seems absurd that a 9-7 team that looked like unprofessional roadkill a month ago can now be NFC champions. But, cliched as it sounds, this is what makes the NFL so great, cause in the NBA this could never happen.
And I'm sure the McNabb bashing will return in force now. Well, every idiot who blames the loss on him simply did not watch the game (or, y'know, is a
racist *cough*Limbaugh*cough*). Did Donovan fail to cover Fitzy? Did he drop all those passes, including the 4th down last gasp? Did he miss an extra point? I
ache for the man, cause his own home town fans hate him out of sheer idiocy, and his legacy might now forever be as the guy who loses the big game.
STEELERS 23
RAVENS 14
The Steelers actually won a home championship game!!! I kid of course cause 2 of their losses had been to the cheaters so they don't really count, but it's nice to see those fans witness a title in person. It wasn't without some uneasyness. The Ravens are scary. It cannot be undersold that they have a rookie qb and coach, yet were down only 2 points in the 4th quarter on the road in the AFC championship game. The Steelers let this happen too by leaving a lot of points out on the field. Limas Sweed would be a goat for life if they had lost after dropping that perfect touchdown throw. And the way they blew that field
goal chance at the half.
This was another example of what a great football player Big Ben is. He strapped this team on his back 3 years ago and led em to the bowl. He did it again
tonight, making play after play even as his putrid offensive line did everything but throw Raven defenders directly into him. The TD throw he made was crazy,
and he also was stuck playing most of the game w/o Hines Ward. Not to rip my boy Eli, but see how HE wilted w/o HIS big wideout? Ben also had no running game to speak of, as Fast Willie was Slow Willie today.
Much credit to the Ravens, who I don't really like that much but do respect. Flacco will win a super bowl eventually, of that I have no doubt.
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Well, I'm a rock solid 3-7 with my playoff picks to this point, including 0 for 5 in the NFC, so I won't bother trying to pick the game strategically. Oddly enough I had my best pick record ever in the regular season.
I have picked against the Steelers NINE times this season, including all 3 Raven games. I don't know why, since I did pick them to win their division this year. But I'm gonna finish things as I began, and pick Arizona to win the super bowl. I will again pick Pittsburgh to lose.
I can justify this by assuming that Whisenhunt's knowledge of much of the Steeler offensive personnel will give him an edge in scheming against them. And
also, a strong veteran QB is surely capable of outdueling the Steeler secondary.
It should be a really entertaining game though, and while it simply can't be as richly rewarding as last year's game was, it should still deliver a fun conclusion to a bizarre season.
EAGLES 25
The Cardinals are right. Nobody gave them a chance...but that was deserved. Anybody who saw this team get blown away by the Vikings (they made T-Jack into the offensive player of the week!), and give arguably the worst effort in sports history at snowy Foxboro could not have had any realistic expectations of a super
bowl run. Now true, their run to the big game was not exactly a murderers row. Atlanta was wet behind the ears, Jake Delhomme had the worst game of his career, and today the Eagles turned back into the screwy Eagles of midseason. But the Cardinals, 9-7 though they were, took their two biggest flaws and have erased both in the playoffs. Now they can run the ball, and they can play pretty good defense. Kurt Warner has fully resurected his career, and he can thank emerging superstar Larry Fitzgerald, aka Fitzy. Fitzy is dominating the game at WR right now like I haven't seen since Randy Moss' rookie year. Even with his
"greatest show on turf" Ram teams Kurt never had a receiver THIS uncoverable. I'm not sure what the Cardinals run says about the league now. It seems absurd that a 9-7 team that looked like unprofessional roadkill a month ago can now be NFC champions. But, cliched as it sounds, this is what makes the NFL so great, cause in the NBA this could never happen.
And I'm sure the McNabb bashing will return in force now. Well, every idiot who blames the loss on him simply did not watch the game (or, y'know, is a
racist *cough*Limbaugh*cough*). Did Donovan fail to cover Fitzy? Did he drop all those passes, including the 4th down last gasp? Did he miss an extra point? I
ache for the man, cause his own home town fans hate him out of sheer idiocy, and his legacy might now forever be as the guy who loses the big game.
STEELERS 23
RAVENS 14
The Steelers actually won a home championship game!!! I kid of course cause 2 of their losses had been to the cheaters so they don't really count, but it's nice to see those fans witness a title in person. It wasn't without some uneasyness. The Ravens are scary. It cannot be undersold that they have a rookie qb and coach, yet were down only 2 points in the 4th quarter on the road in the AFC championship game. The Steelers let this happen too by leaving a lot of points out on the field. Limas Sweed would be a goat for life if they had lost after dropping that perfect touchdown throw. And the way they blew that field
goal chance at the half.
This was another example of what a great football player Big Ben is. He strapped this team on his back 3 years ago and led em to the bowl. He did it again
tonight, making play after play even as his putrid offensive line did everything but throw Raven defenders directly into him. The TD throw he made was crazy,
and he also was stuck playing most of the game w/o Hines Ward. Not to rip my boy Eli, but see how HE wilted w/o HIS big wideout? Ben also had no running game to speak of, as Fast Willie was Slow Willie today.
Much credit to the Ravens, who I don't really like that much but do respect. Flacco will win a super bowl eventually, of that I have no doubt.
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Well, I'm a rock solid 3-7 with my playoff picks to this point, including 0 for 5 in the NFC, so I won't bother trying to pick the game strategically. Oddly enough I had my best pick record ever in the regular season.
I have picked against the Steelers NINE times this season, including all 3 Raven games. I don't know why, since I did pick them to win their division this year. But I'm gonna finish things as I began, and pick Arizona to win the super bowl. I will again pick Pittsburgh to lose.
I can justify this by assuming that Whisenhunt's knowledge of much of the Steeler offensive personnel will give him an edge in scheming against them. And
also, a strong veteran QB is surely capable of outdueling the Steeler secondary.
It should be a really entertaining game though, and while it simply can't be as richly rewarding as last year's game was, it should still deliver a fun conclusion to a bizarre season.
Hall of Fame inductees:
So today the new hall of fame inductees were announced:
BRUCE SMITH: One of the great defensive players of my lifetime; among the all time leaders in sacks; very deserving
ROD WOODSON: Also obvious. One of the top interceptors ever, won a super bowl with Baltimore.
DERRICK THOMAS: LONG overdue. The dominant linebacker of the 90's.
RANDALL MCDANIEL: Great Vikings lineman. Yay!
BOB HAYES: Don't know that much about him actually. Longtime Cowboy, mostly pre-Staubach.
RALPH WILSON: I guess you found a team (the Bills) and own it for 50 years you probably earned induction.
Cris Carter was robbed again, as was Paul Tagliabue. John Randle was denied, but I'm not surprised. Andre Reed and Shannon Sharpe don't get in. No Richard Dent. No Russ Grimm.
Next year brings the certain inductions of Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, plus the very worthy Tim Brown. Also Eddie George, who I don't think is worthy, and Gary Anderson, who no Viking fan would EVER vote for!
BRUCE SMITH: One of the great defensive players of my lifetime; among the all time leaders in sacks; very deserving
ROD WOODSON: Also obvious. One of the top interceptors ever, won a super bowl with Baltimore.
DERRICK THOMAS: LONG overdue. The dominant linebacker of the 90's.
RANDALL MCDANIEL: Great Vikings lineman. Yay!
BOB HAYES: Don't know that much about him actually. Longtime Cowboy, mostly pre-Staubach.
RALPH WILSON: I guess you found a team (the Bills) and own it for 50 years you probably earned induction.
Cris Carter was robbed again, as was Paul Tagliabue. John Randle was denied, but I'm not surprised. Andre Reed and Shannon Sharpe don't get in. No Richard Dent. No Russ Grimm.
Next year brings the certain inductions of Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, plus the very worthy Tim Brown. Also Eddie George, who I don't think is worthy, and Gary Anderson, who no Viking fan would EVER vote for!
Super Bowl 43:
STEELERS 27
CARDINALS 23
CARDINALS 23
WHEW!!!!
Next year, all I ask for is a nice, clean blowout. I can't survive many more nailbiters like this.![]()
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers on their richly deserved 6th Lombardi trophy. They do things the right way across the board. But this game will
certainly be remembered as much for the losing Cardinals, who earned a great deal of respect for what they did in the last month. On January 1st NOBODY thought they had any chance to be here, and until the final minute they were on the verge of winning it all.
It of course did not HAVE to be so tense. The Steelers did have a chance to put the clamps down early, but Tomlin inexplicably opted for a chip shot field goal
on the opening drive. It could've and should've been 14-0 early.
Next year, all I ask for is a nice, clean blowout. I can't survive many more nailbiters like this.
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers on their richly deserved 6th Lombardi trophy. They do things the right way across the board. But this game will
certainly be remembered as much for the losing Cardinals, who earned a great deal of respect for what they did in the last month. On January 1st NOBODY thought they had any chance to be here, and until the final minute they were on the verge of winning it all.
It of course did not HAVE to be so tense. The Steelers did have a chance to put the clamps down early, but Tomlin inexplicably opted for a chip shot field goal
on the opening drive. It could've and should've been 14-0 early.
The Steelers defense was not that impressive, although they did keep Fitzy bottled up for a while. Thing is they left everyone else wide open. With little pass
rush most of the time, Warner picked em apart. Thank GOD Harrison made that insane 100 yard dash, or this thing clearly would've ended up differently.
rush most of the time, Warner picked em apart. Thank GOD Harrison made that insane 100 yard dash, or this thing clearly would've ended up differently.
And then in the 3rd the Steelers had two sets of downs with goal-to-go and only got 3. You had to sense an impending Cardinal rally.
The Steelers offensive line spent much of the year trying to get Ben killed, and reverted to form in the 4th quarter. When that punt was downed at the 1, I
knew a safety was coming. It didn't help that the running game was almost non-existent. But a pathetic holding penalty in the endzone? My god! And it
negated a sweet first down throw by Ben.
Then Fitzy flies through the gassed Steeler secondary, and it's game over.
Oh...but then I recalled last year, and a situation that seemed to hold a similar level of hopelessness. "Ben, pull an Eli" I pleaded. And on a drive that not only confirmed his status as an elite quarterback but also will be exhibit A when making his case for the hall of fame, Ben ignored his woeful line, and like he's done so many times led his team down the field making every clutch play. And Santonio Holmes, the receiver drafted to replace Plaxico Burress, made two major plays...the long one to get em close, and then the brilliant, Cris Carter-like touchdown catch. Wow!
Warner almost pulled off a miracle after that. But he DID fumble, and quite clearly, and the Steelers held on. But Kurt also earned his trip to Canton tonight.
He's SO close to being a 3 time super bowl winning QB. He should come back, cause this is a team that finally found its way. Aside from him and James, this is a pretty young team with a lot of strong years ahead of them.
The Steelers could have a new dynasty in the making. Certainly they won't be falling off the map any time soon. Young coach, young QB who's only now
touching his prime, always stout defense. And they're the only team to legitimately win multiple super bowls in this decade.
Of course next year they will surely fail to repeat, as the Vikings will obviously win it all next year! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go feed my unicorn.
The Steelers offensive line spent much of the year trying to get Ben killed, and reverted to form in the 4th quarter. When that punt was downed at the 1, I
knew a safety was coming. It didn't help that the running game was almost non-existent. But a pathetic holding penalty in the endzone? My god! And it
negated a sweet first down throw by Ben.
Then Fitzy flies through the gassed Steeler secondary, and it's game over.
Oh...but then I recalled last year, and a situation that seemed to hold a similar level of hopelessness. "Ben, pull an Eli" I pleaded. And on a drive that not only confirmed his status as an elite quarterback but also will be exhibit A when making his case for the hall of fame, Ben ignored his woeful line, and like he's done so many times led his team down the field making every clutch play. And Santonio Holmes, the receiver drafted to replace Plaxico Burress, made two major plays...the long one to get em close, and then the brilliant, Cris Carter-like touchdown catch. Wow!
Warner almost pulled off a miracle after that. But he DID fumble, and quite clearly, and the Steelers held on. But Kurt also earned his trip to Canton tonight.
He's SO close to being a 3 time super bowl winning QB. He should come back, cause this is a team that finally found its way. Aside from him and James, this is a pretty young team with a lot of strong years ahead of them.
The Steelers could have a new dynasty in the making. Certainly they won't be falling off the map any time soon. Young coach, young QB who's only now
touching his prime, always stout defense. And they're the only team to legitimately win multiple super bowls in this decade.
Of course next year they will surely fail to repeat, as the Vikings will obviously win it all next year! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go feed my unicorn.
[[And now we skip waaaaay ahead to...]]
2009:
1/9/10 actually:
I was so down on Brett Favre when I started this thread. Now my fandom for him is the strongest its ever been, as he's led my Vikings to a 12-4, division-winning, and if there's a god in heaven, Super Bowl winning season.
My dream is an epic duel in Miami between Favre and Manning, and the Vikings win it.
The pessimist/realist in me thinks it'll be the Chargers beating Arizona.
My dream is an epic duel in Miami between Favre and Manning, and the Vikings win it.
The pessimist/realist in me thinks it'll be the Chargers beating Arizona.
1/10/10:
Brett's year was amazing. Being there in the Metrodome when he hit Greg Lewis for the win against the 49ers...I have never heard such noise in my life. I was jumping up and down and lovin life!
And it went for naught, but his 2nd half against the Bears, and the 4th down pass to Sidney Rice were also incredible.
I'm naturally worried about the playoff chances, but I at least give the Vikings a chance, unlike the ESPN twits who have already decided Dallas will win
easily here next week.
Sunday could be a glorious day if both the Hatriots and the moldy cheeseheads get beat.
And it went for naught, but his 2nd half against the Bears, and the 4th down pass to Sidney Rice were also incredible.
I'm naturally worried about the playoff chances, but I at least give the Vikings a chance, unlike the ESPN twits who have already decided Dallas will win
easily here next week.
Sunday could be a glorious day if both the Hatriots and the moldy cheeseheads get beat.
1/13/10
Seeing Ray Lewis and company tear the Hatriots apart was a thing of beauty.![]()
My picks for next weekend:
Vikings over Dallas (c'mon football gods, get us 3 more wins. I don't need a dynasty, just give us this one year).
Cardinals over Saints (were the Vikes to lose I'd hope for a Saints win).
Colts over Ravens (time for Indy to get over the bye week curse).
Chargers over Jets (I don't see this one being close).
My picks for next weekend:
Vikings over Dallas (c'mon football gods, get us 3 more wins. I don't need a dynasty, just give us this one year).
Cardinals over Saints (were the Vikes to lose I'd hope for a Saints win).
Colts over Ravens (time for Indy to get over the bye week curse).
Chargers over Jets (I don't see this one being close).
1/17/10
I've never seen the Vikings dominate a big game as completely as they did today. It was incredible, and now we get to go down to New Orleans and do the
same. I know we'll be big underdogs, but I think we have a great chance to go to the super bowl for the first time in my lifetime.
I didn't see that Jet upset coming, but when your idiot kicker tanks the game for ya, what're you gonna do?
My dream super bowl of Vikings-Colts is gonna become a reality, methinks:) Favre-Manning would be the highest rated super bowl of all time.
same. I know we'll be big underdogs, but I think we have a great chance to go to the super bowl for the first time in my lifetime.
I didn't see that Jet upset coming, but when your idiot kicker tanks the game for ya, what're you gonna do?
My dream super bowl of Vikings-Colts is gonna become a reality, methinks:) Favre-Manning would be the highest rated super bowl of all time.
1/24/10 (😭😭😭):
SAINTS 31
VIKINGS 28 in OT
In these parts, the 1998 NFC championship game is the stuff of tragic legend. The fumble. The knee. The missed FG. It crushed me, and countless other Viking fans. Hell, I wasn't really a die hard Viking fan again until Brett Favre signed on last summer.
1998 was NOTHING. That was like a slap in the face, compared to this brutal sucker punch to the gut. This was so unbelievably heartbreaking to witness that I truly think this is the permanent jump the shark moment in Viking fandom. They will NEVER get me to pull for them like this ever again. Period.
The Vikings are better than the Saints. We handled the crowd noise. We moved the ball up and down the field. We held our own on defense, containing Reggie Bush. But we lose. We lose because we turn into a bunch of bumbling morons. It's really incredible to be -4 in the turnover differential, and even be in overtime. Take away the turnovers, all unforced pretty much, and the Vikings win by 14+. That's why this one hurts more, and always will.
Brett Favre will predictably get the blame in the asinine national media, and he did throw 2 bad picks. But he played a good game, and if this was his last game for real this time, he went out a motherfucking WARRIOR! He was being mauled by the Saints, who got open shots on him all game long. When he got hurt on that interception, I thought that was it, that his career might've ended right there. But after that, he got back out there and TWICE led game tying drives, and woulda had 3 if not for Berrian's fumble. I consider it a privilege to have been able to see Favre play for the Vikings this year. I wish it could've ended with him hoisting the Lombardi trophy, but he has nothing to apologize for. He did not cost us this game.
Adrian Peterson spent most of this year mired in mediocrity. We've all kept thinking this was just an aberration. No. He's no longer a megastar, he's a liablity. He's the reason this very game tonight was played in New Orleans at all. if he doesn't give it away in Chicago we win that game and get home field advantage. Then when we get a gift from Bush, he turns right around and gives it back. If we go up 21-14 at the half, we have all the momentum, and all the confidence, and we win. We're damn lucky his 2 other fumbles didn't go the other way too. An occasional burst is not worth it. You cannot trust him anymore. Chester Taylor is a free agent, and he must be resigned, and if possible you trade Peterson away.
The haunting moment of this game came at the end of regulation. When the Vikes get it back with 2 minutes left, I'm getting chills cause it looks like not only are the Vikes gonna go to the super bowl, but do it with a game winning drive led by Brett Favre! It's the dream! And Favre put em into position, or so we thought. After Chester's run they have over a minute left...then they inexplicably make no real effort to move the ball closer. They concede a 50 yard fg right there. Longwell's good but why no effort to push it closer? Then all hell breaks loose. We get a penalty. I agree with trying a pass then. I don't even have a big problem with the throw. It looked to me like Sidney Rice (who had a pretty substandard game) stopped running. But why wait til THEN to throw it? I don't feel like any kick woulda been good anyway. We were OT-bound regardless.
The Vikings are the Cubs/pre-'04 Red Sox of the NFL. They are a cursed franchise. Not only can they never win, but they will always lose in the most excruciating way possible. 2009 was Brett Favre's renaissance year, where he took a group of talented underachievers and led them much farther than they'd have gone with any other QB. And they give away a trip to the super bowl, and once again Favre's final pass is an interception. It's not the least bit fair, but it never is, and never will be. Not with the Vikings. The football gods will never smile down on them. Never.
I don't really care right now about the super bowl. I know I want Manning to win his 2nd title though.
VIKINGS 28 in OT
In these parts, the 1998 NFC championship game is the stuff of tragic legend. The fumble. The knee. The missed FG. It crushed me, and countless other Viking fans. Hell, I wasn't really a die hard Viking fan again until Brett Favre signed on last summer.
1998 was NOTHING. That was like a slap in the face, compared to this brutal sucker punch to the gut. This was so unbelievably heartbreaking to witness that I truly think this is the permanent jump the shark moment in Viking fandom. They will NEVER get me to pull for them like this ever again. Period.
The Vikings are better than the Saints. We handled the crowd noise. We moved the ball up and down the field. We held our own on defense, containing Reggie Bush. But we lose. We lose because we turn into a bunch of bumbling morons. It's really incredible to be -4 in the turnover differential, and even be in overtime. Take away the turnovers, all unforced pretty much, and the Vikings win by 14+. That's why this one hurts more, and always will.
Brett Favre will predictably get the blame in the asinine national media, and he did throw 2 bad picks. But he played a good game, and if this was his last game for real this time, he went out a motherfucking WARRIOR! He was being mauled by the Saints, who got open shots on him all game long. When he got hurt on that interception, I thought that was it, that his career might've ended right there. But after that, he got back out there and TWICE led game tying drives, and woulda had 3 if not for Berrian's fumble. I consider it a privilege to have been able to see Favre play for the Vikings this year. I wish it could've ended with him hoisting the Lombardi trophy, but he has nothing to apologize for. He did not cost us this game.
Adrian Peterson spent most of this year mired in mediocrity. We've all kept thinking this was just an aberration. No. He's no longer a megastar, he's a liablity. He's the reason this very game tonight was played in New Orleans at all. if he doesn't give it away in Chicago we win that game and get home field advantage. Then when we get a gift from Bush, he turns right around and gives it back. If we go up 21-14 at the half, we have all the momentum, and all the confidence, and we win. We're damn lucky his 2 other fumbles didn't go the other way too. An occasional burst is not worth it. You cannot trust him anymore. Chester Taylor is a free agent, and he must be resigned, and if possible you trade Peterson away.
The haunting moment of this game came at the end of regulation. When the Vikes get it back with 2 minutes left, I'm getting chills cause it looks like not only are the Vikes gonna go to the super bowl, but do it with a game winning drive led by Brett Favre! It's the dream! And Favre put em into position, or so we thought. After Chester's run they have over a minute left...then they inexplicably make no real effort to move the ball closer. They concede a 50 yard fg right there. Longwell's good but why no effort to push it closer? Then all hell breaks loose. We get a penalty. I agree with trying a pass then. I don't even have a big problem with the throw. It looked to me like Sidney Rice (who had a pretty substandard game) stopped running. But why wait til THEN to throw it? I don't feel like any kick woulda been good anyway. We were OT-bound regardless.
The Vikings are the Cubs/pre-'04 Red Sox of the NFL. They are a cursed franchise. Not only can they never win, but they will always lose in the most excruciating way possible. 2009 was Brett Favre's renaissance year, where he took a group of talented underachievers and led them much farther than they'd have gone with any other QB. And they give away a trip to the super bowl, and once again Favre's final pass is an interception. It's not the least bit fair, but it never is, and never will be. Not with the Vikings. The football gods will never smile down on them. Never.
I don't really care right now about the super bowl. I know I want Manning to win his 2nd title though.
Super Bowl 44:
SAINTS 31
COLTS 17
I had it all wrong. The football gods didn't abandon the Vikings 2 weeks ago. They were wearing black and gold all along. The Saints won the super bowl by beating a choking Viking team and then a really sloppy and uninspired Colts team, while quite literally every break went their way.
In my heart, I know the Vikings were the NFL's best team (and would've wiped the floor with the Colts tonight), but the Saints were the better team in this game for sure.
Drew Brees did his thing. Sean Payton coached a really great game. It was very methodical, as they did a lot of ball control. The defense did a pretty good job on a Colts offense that played it far too conservatively at times, and add in a few missed opportunities and that's your game.
The Pierre Garcon drop of what woulda been a huge play was the turning point. He isn't to blame for the loss, but if he makes that play the Colts maybe go down and score and take a 17-3 lead. Instead they never really had control of the game again.
The goal line stand was very impressive, but then after this the Colts do 3 short runs, shockingly gutless for a team that has the MVP behind center. So they give the ball back, play porous pass defense and give up a 3.
If the Colts get that onside kick, again who knows, but from the 1st quarter on Indy was really bad. Awful tackling, no pass rush, wide open receivers everywhere. Reggie Wayne didn't do much (and quit the route on the pick six). Even the pick six, did it matter? The Colts weren't winning this game.
Already the dipshit media is ripping Manning, saying he lost the game (just as they wrongly blamed Favre 2 weeks ago...amazing these people get paid to be so wrong). He wasn't his sharpest, but I think this game crystalized why he was the runaway MVP. This was not all that great a team he had around him. He carried them to this point, and I'll bet he gets em back a few more time before he hangs it up. This game does nothing to tarnish his greatness in the eyes of anyone who knows anything about football.
Brees elevates into that elite class with Manning, Favre & Big Ben. I'm annoyed by the arrogant Saint fans, and the culture of "we deserve the super bowl cause of Katrina" but the team itself is a team to respect. They're the champs. They get their props, and I'll just have to imagine the Lost-esque parallel universe where the Vikings didn't blow that game, and are the champs.
COLTS 17
I had it all wrong. The football gods didn't abandon the Vikings 2 weeks ago. They were wearing black and gold all along. The Saints won the super bowl by beating a choking Viking team and then a really sloppy and uninspired Colts team, while quite literally every break went their way.
In my heart, I know the Vikings were the NFL's best team (and would've wiped the floor with the Colts tonight), but the Saints were the better team in this game for sure.
Drew Brees did his thing. Sean Payton coached a really great game. It was very methodical, as they did a lot of ball control. The defense did a pretty good job on a Colts offense that played it far too conservatively at times, and add in a few missed opportunities and that's your game.
The Pierre Garcon drop of what woulda been a huge play was the turning point. He isn't to blame for the loss, but if he makes that play the Colts maybe go down and score and take a 17-3 lead. Instead they never really had control of the game again.
The goal line stand was very impressive, but then after this the Colts do 3 short runs, shockingly gutless for a team that has the MVP behind center. So they give the ball back, play porous pass defense and give up a 3.
If the Colts get that onside kick, again who knows, but from the 1st quarter on Indy was really bad. Awful tackling, no pass rush, wide open receivers everywhere. Reggie Wayne didn't do much (and quit the route on the pick six). Even the pick six, did it matter? The Colts weren't winning this game.
Already the dipshit media is ripping Manning, saying he lost the game (just as they wrongly blamed Favre 2 weeks ago...amazing these people get paid to be so wrong). He wasn't his sharpest, but I think this game crystalized why he was the runaway MVP. This was not all that great a team he had around him. He carried them to this point, and I'll bet he gets em back a few more time before he hangs it up. This game does nothing to tarnish his greatness in the eyes of anyone who knows anything about football.
Brees elevates into that elite class with Manning, Favre & Big Ben. I'm annoyed by the arrogant Saint fans, and the culture of "we deserve the super bowl cause of Katrina" but the team itself is a team to respect. They're the champs. They get their props, and I'll just have to imagine the Lost-esque parallel universe where the Vikings didn't blow that game, and are the champs.
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