The VUFSA Writers of America are set to annouce their 2005 Football Awards. The writers who comprise the VUFSAWA will remain anonymous, but it's not hard to guess the four.
Writers ranked players 1-3; with 5 points for a first place vote, 3 for a second and 1 for a third.
VUFSA MVP
Shaun Alexander....13 points
LaDanian Tomlinson...11
Edgerrin James...6
Larry Johnson...4
Marvin Harrison...2
The only suprise in this category is the fact that Alexander was left off one ballot entirely. He was the #1 scorer in the league (344.50 points) by a considerable margin (32 points), and played for an 11 win team. LaDanian Tomlinson had a phenomonal year, with some monster performances- but tailed off at the end.
Biggest Suprise (NFL Player)
Carson Palmer...15
Larry Johnson...6
LaMont Jordan...5
Joey Galloway...3
Terry Glenn...3
Drew Bledsoe...1
Chris Cooley...1
Thomas Jones...1
Willie Parker...1
Everyone who voted for Palmer voted him first. We all knew he was talented, but no one thought that he would be the league's #1 QB (312 points) this season. Larry Johnson's talent was also apparent, but his role was the question. Once his role was settled though, his numbers were suprisingly amazing. After our first two, every other player appeared on just one ballot.
Biggest Disappointment (NFL Player)
Jamal Lewis...8
Nate Burleson...6
Julius Jones...5
Brandon Stokley...5
Daunte Culpepper...4
Kevin Jones...3
Ahman Green...3
Curtis Martin...1
Willis McGahee...1
This was the most diverse vote across the board, and a lot of personal grudges may have entered voters minds. Jamal Lewis' jail time did more harm than anyone could have imagined, notching just 101 points all season long. Nate Burleson's draft spot made him a disappoinment, but looking back, it's possible our big expectations were misplaced. Brandon Stokley is on the list above Daunte Culpepper on the strength of one first place vote, and his placement over last year's #2 overall scorer is ludicrous.
Most Devastating Injury
Priest Holmes...18
Deuce McAllister...6
Javon Walker...5
Marc Bulger...5
Donovan McNabb...1
Corey Dillon...1
Priest Holmes' bad spine made Donovan McNabb's IR placement irrelevant on this list, as Father Abraham had no chance after Holmes went down. To have the most devastating injury and the most disappointing player sums up Lincoln's year pretty well. Three players on this list played for Fred Lane's Wife.
Best Trade (for both sides)- One owner abstaining
Cadillac Williams and Reggie Wayne for Tiki Barber and Andre Johnson...8
Deuce McAllister for Joey Galloway...7
Carson Palmer and Travis Henry and a 6th Round Pick for Brian Westbrook and Antwaan Randle El...6
Fred Taylor and Greg Jones for Brian Westbrook...5
Thomas Jones for Marc Bulger...1
The Caddy/Tiki masterpeice gave both teams a stud back who fit the role thier respective teams needed. The Octagon needed a strong keeper RB prospect, and Sex Panther needed a more consistent back. The bonus for OCT was the way Williams played down the stretch, which helped propel him into the playoffs. Baron Brendel was directly involved in three of the five trades listed, and indirectly on a fourth.
Worst Trade (for one side)- One owner abstaining
Antonio Gates and Thomas Jones for Ahman Green and Michael Clayton...15
Daunte Culpepper and Mewelde Moore for Clinton Portis and Frank Gore...4
Randy Moss, Chris Brown, Derrick Mason and Mike Peterson for Terrell Owens, Eddie Kennison and Michael Bennett...4
Mike Williams, Lance Briggs, Frank Gore and Keary Colbert for Jeremy Shockey, Duce Staley and DeAngelo Hall...3
Reggie Wayne for Isaac Bruce and TJ Duckett...1
Every owner voting agreed that a TE with stud WR numbers and a #1 back for a suddenly past-his-prime RB and a second year WR was the worst move of the year, and the offending owner would probably agree. Outside of that- there wasn't another overwhelming vote. The Culpepper-Portis deal was made worse by the injury to Culpepper, but was also bad because Culpepper wasn't even starting for ChamPeons when he was healthy. The Moss-TO trade caused a firestorm, but what impact did it really have on the league? Moss was awful, and Brown was inconsistent. The Champ/Tomke friendship was on the bad side of each of these deals.
Best Pickup
Willie Parker...20 (perfect)
Santana Moss...6
Eli Manning...5
Neil Rackers...4
Frank Gore...1
The very first pickup of the year would not be topped. A #1 type back off the wire after the draft kept Fred Lane's Wife competitive despite injuries all over the place. Santana Moss solidified the WR3 spot for Madd Skillz and had a gigantic championship game, while Eli Manning is a likely keeper for WIRM. Neil Rackers was the best kicker ever this year, and Frank Gore will confine Reggie Bush to the 49er bench next year.
GM of the Year
Ed Schillinger...14
JR Radcliffe...8
Eli Gieryna...7
Andrew Stem...6
Baron Brendel...1
Schillinger gets the award thanks in large part to the health of his keepers and a sharp draft- as there were only two players started in the Championship game that weren't on the roster as of week one (S. Moss, Shockey). Radcliffe's run to finish the season was remarkable, but his early season sucky prevents him from winning an award that represents wire-to-wire excellence. Gieryna made what seemed like all the moves, but continues to be the hackey-sack of the fantasy football gods. Stem drafted well, and improved by a stunning 8 wins from last year, but his lack of activity and lack of building depth did him in by the end of the season. Brendel's inclusion is based on the assumption that his team will compete for a playoff spot next season.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
Tale of the Tape
A position-by-position breakdown of the championship game from the only owner to beat both teams.
Quarterback: Tom Brady vs. Jake Delhomme
I hate Tom Brady and I hate that people oogle over him like he's Tyra Banks with a throwing arm. I also hate Jake Delhomme and am curious how someone with so little talent can get so many touchdowns. It's a pretty close call between the two of them, as both are solid, if unspectacular, helmsmen. But I see "@NYJ" for Brady and really that's all I need to know, while Delhomme meets a hungry Dallas team.
Advantage: the Skillz.
Receiving corps: Steve Smith, Chad Johnson and Santana Moss vs. Plaxico Burress, Larry Fitzgerald and Jerry Porter.
Rarely do the "projected points" provided by yahoo amount to shit, but it's still telling if Ed has the receivers ranked 1, 2, and 4 out of the six in this category. Another thing it's hard to take stock in is the Pro Bowl rosters, but here Ed has three of them and Andrew Stem has merely one. You could look at the matchups from here on out, but the bottom line is that you can almost guarantee two to three touchdowns out of Ed's corps, with an option for much more. I only see one to two guaranteed out of Stem.
Advantage: the Skillz
Running backs: LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Rudi Johnson vs. Shaun Alexander, LaMont Jordan and Michael Pittman.
Ed's superstar running back crew is largely responsible for his success, though Stem would not be anywhere without his own standouts. The problem is injuries, for both sides, with Jordan extremely doubtful for Sunday and LDT looking wounded as well. But a tie in the injury department is certainly a win for Skillz, whose secondary running backs would be RB1s for any other team in the league except Stem's. Plus, Stem is already getting hardly anything from Kevin Jones, who may also be hurt and could miss time or be limited in the game. Thus, Michael Pittman, not even the top option on his own team, would be Stem's No. 2 and if Jones can't play, there is nobody on his roster who would be a No. 3. There is no contest here, and I'll say if both Jordan and Jones can't play, then Andrew Stem will not win this week, and it won't be close.
Advantage: the Skillz
Tight end: Jeremy Shockey vs. Randy McMichael
Touchdown Randy tapered off for most of the year, with only two touchdowns after week 3, but he climbed back in the saddle with a very productive week last week in his four catches for 42 yards, all early. Shockey, meanwhile, has been up and down, with a one catch week followed by 10 catches followed by 2, then 10, then 3. So I guess he's due for another 10. I like McMichael's matchup against Tennessee however. Whatever, I'll throw Stem a modest bone.
Advantage: Push
Flex: Domanick Davis vs. Roy Williams
It's nice when a running back who has been consistently solid is your flex option, while a middling receiver is Stem's. Williams caught a touchdown last week and may well have a good game against the Saints, but even if Davis can't play, backup Jon Wells will be a fine addition to the team. At the very worst, we're talking about 8-9 points out of that option, which is what Williams will get ONLY if he gets a score.
Advantage: the Skillz
Kicker: Jeff Wilkins vs. Neil Rackers
Rackers has missed one flipping field goal all year, and against a Philly defense that has a penchant for tightening at the right spot, he could have a great game, possibly double digits. Wilkins is in the dome and will also get plenty of looks against a terrible SF team, so these two are likely to cancel each other out. Still, in a tight battle, I'd go with the Pro Bowler.
Advantage: Sexy Stem.
Defense: Lance Briggs, Ed Reed and Adrian Wilson vs. Johnny Vilma, Demorrio Williams, Roy Williams
Fuck, who cares anymore.
Advantage: Fuck, who cares anymore.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Father Abraham: 4-10
Father Abraham: 4-10
Father Abraham began the year with a strong keeper roster, filled out by last second trades at the end of the 2004 season. Well rounded with a top three quarterback, a pair of dominant running backs, and two established receivers, Father Abraham looked to make the playoffs for the first time. A hot start to the season quickly cooled thanks to injuries and underachieving players and Father Abraham tumbled downwards finishing the year at 4-10.
Keepers:
Donovan McNabb
Jamal Lewis
Priest Holmes
Mushin Muhammad
Joe Horn
The keeper roster alone looked to be playoff caliber. McNabb was coming off a 31 TD, 3,800 yard season. 2004 saw Lewis run for a 1,000 yards, and Holmes continued his dominating play with 15 TDs. The wide receivers, Horn and Muhammad, combined for over 180 catches, 1700 yards, and 27 TDs.
Round 1: Anquan Boldin
Round 2: Stephen Davis
Round 3: Jason Witten
Round 4: Ricky Willliams
Round 5: Ashley Lelie
Round 6: Jake Plummer
Round 7: Jason Elam
Round 8: William Green
Round 9: Charles Rogers
Round 10: Ray Lewis
Round 11: Bertrand Berry
Round 12: Mike Green
Round 13: Shayne Graham
Round 14: Daniel Graham
Round 15: Peter Warrick
The draft did a solid job of rounding out FA’s roster. The first three picks were as good as any in the league. Anquan Boldin has flourished in a run challenged Arizona offense, grabbing 85 balls for 1,236 yards and 6 TDs. Stephen Davis had a marvelous start to the season (a theme for FA) on his way to a 12 TD season. Jason Witten is as solid of a tight end as they come racking up 698 yards and 5 TDs in 2005.
After the first three picks, though, the draft began to fizzle. Ricky Williams was suspended for four games, the exact same number of weeks he was on the club’s roster once eligible for playing. The smokin’ one only managed 21 yards on the ground for FA before owner Lincoln Souzek cut ties with Williams. Ashley Lelie made it to week 8 before also leaving the FA squad with just one touchdown. Jake Plummer proved to be a serviceable backup to Donovan McNabb who would eventually be lost to injury. William Green never was able to unseat Reuben Droughns in Cleveland rendering Green useless. Charles Rogers became friends with Ricky Williams and smoked himself off FA. Bertrand Berry would find greener pastures elsewhere, and rounds 13 and 14 made me hungry for smores.
And so the season began for Father Abraham who was quick out of the gates winning three of their first four games. Souzek saw his team score 100+ in two of the three wins – the only two times they would cross into triple digits all season. During the three game win streak, Donovan McNabb fueled Father Abraham with 10 TDs to just 2 INTs. The supporting crew came alive too with Stephen Davis finding the end zone five times; Priest Holmes averaging 13.50 per game; Anquan Bolding hauling in 22 catches. The end result found Father Abraham one of just three teams above .500, and in third place at 3-1.
Despite the hot start, the league’s attention was turned toward the two teams ahead of Father Abraham in the standings. Andrew Stem’s Cellar Dwellers was the story of the season reeling off four quick victories and finding himself in a tie with the mighty Madd Skillz for first place. The ominous call for respect came in the form of Yahoo smack talk, “Father Abraham, the only team getting less respect than Baron.” This prompted a certain writer (and certified pharmacy technician, that’s Drew Wolf cPht, bitches) to pen a piece analyzing Father Abraham’s strong start. Excerpted from the well written October 5th blog entry:
“Should McNabb go down or even be rested, Father Abraham’s backup is the much less spectacular Jake Plummer…The running back contingent has been the real head scratcher. Jamal Lewis was supposed to be the best running back in the bunch, and Stephen Davis the question mark. Now the roles are reversed with Lewis playing in a Baltimore offense that is mentally challenged and Davis in a well balanced Panthers offense that gives opportunity and running room. Priest Holmes is his solid self, but with Larry Johnson continuing to play well, Holmes’ touches could be in question…So what lies ahead for Father Abraham? McNabb’s surgery, Horn’s health, and Williams’ pot will go a long way in telling just how far this Father Abraham team can go…”
Those question marks would turn into exclamation marks for all the wrong reasons for Souzek. In week 9, Terrell Owens would seal his fate by falling for a meticulously placed ESPN trap where the network creates its own news by setting up interviews with stupid people, giving them a microphone, asking questions with only wrong answers, hyping it incessantly, replaying it for others to comment on, and forcing important people to make decision that they wouldn’t have had to should ESPN have just reported news and not make it. This left Donovan McNabb without anyone to throw the football to, and after the suspension McNabb threw just one touchdown pass before the inexplicable NFL return of Mike McMahon.
As for the running backs, Jamal Lewis continues to be one of the biggest question marks heading into 2006. For the 2005 campaign, he’s rushed for just 700 yards and 3 TDs. These numbers are puzzling after rushing for 2,000+ yards and 14TDs two seasons ago. Priest Holmes was playing at his normal high level until week 8 when a concussion sidelined him and his season. Stephen Davis’ strong start began to cool as the season progressed. His rushing totals by week after the 3-1 Father Abraham start:
Week 5: 46
Week 6: 27
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: 40
Week 9: 48
Week 10: 81
Week 11: 6
Week 12: 25
Week 13: 8
Week 14: 23
Total: 304 yards in 10 weeks
Then came the wide receiver troubles for Souzek. Joe Horn missed four weeks due to injury and hasn’t been the player of 2004. Anquan Boldin missed a couple of weeks, too. Mushin Muhammad has 692 yards receiving and just 3 TDs thanks in large part for playing the bulk of the season with the worst quarterback in the NFL. Thus the star wide outs were not carrying their part of the load.
After said 3-1 start, Souzek had these difficulties to contend with. FA ended up losing seven games in a row – the second worst string of losses in VUFSA history. During the skid the team never scored more than 90 points while having some of the more impressive point totals posted against them. It would not be until week 12 when Souzek’s team would be able to break the streak, defeating WIRM 99.75-76.50 for their fourth and final win of the season. In the end, FA would be 13 points back in the tie breaker to Big Fat Guys and be destined for 9th place.
Looking ahead to 2006, Father Abraham has many pressing questions and the future less certain than it seemed to start this year (then again that might be a good thing based on how this season played out). Donovan McNabb isn’t going to have the elite and stupid Terrell Owens to throw to anymore, so how will that affect McNabb in 2006? What should Souzek do with Joe Horn or Mushin Muhammad? Both showed flashes of prior brilliance but are their best days behind them? Priest Holmes’ career might be done, and if not, it might be done in Kansas City where Larry Johnson now benefits from one of the best offensive lines in football. Stephen Davis managed score a lot of TDs, but the Panthers have had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL and the emergence of DeShaun Foster might push Davis out of the Panthers’ plans. Perhaps the biggest question mark of all is Jamal Lewis whose career has tumbled down the mountain. Will he regain his 2,000 yard form? And if so with what team? Will he stay out of jail? A bright spot for FA is that the team will have the second overall pick to help restructure and rebuild from a disappointing 4-10 2005 season.
Writer's Note: This will be my last piece until at least a few days after Christmas. If you have not and would like to send comments, you can still do so, or if you would like to resend with comical quotes or controversial comments, feel free to do that to.
Father Abraham began the year with a strong keeper roster, filled out by last second trades at the end of the 2004 season. Well rounded with a top three quarterback, a pair of dominant running backs, and two established receivers, Father Abraham looked to make the playoffs for the first time. A hot start to the season quickly cooled thanks to injuries and underachieving players and Father Abraham tumbled downwards finishing the year at 4-10.
Keepers:
Donovan McNabb
Jamal Lewis
Priest Holmes
Mushin Muhammad
Joe Horn
The keeper roster alone looked to be playoff caliber. McNabb was coming off a 31 TD, 3,800 yard season. 2004 saw Lewis run for a 1,000 yards, and Holmes continued his dominating play with 15 TDs. The wide receivers, Horn and Muhammad, combined for over 180 catches, 1700 yards, and 27 TDs.
Round 1: Anquan Boldin
Round 2: Stephen Davis
Round 3: Jason Witten
Round 4: Ricky Willliams
Round 5: Ashley Lelie
Round 6: Jake Plummer
Round 7: Jason Elam
Round 8: William Green
Round 9: Charles Rogers
Round 10: Ray Lewis
Round 11: Bertrand Berry
Round 12: Mike Green
Round 13: Shayne Graham
Round 14: Daniel Graham
Round 15: Peter Warrick
The draft did a solid job of rounding out FA’s roster. The first three picks were as good as any in the league. Anquan Boldin has flourished in a run challenged Arizona offense, grabbing 85 balls for 1,236 yards and 6 TDs. Stephen Davis had a marvelous start to the season (a theme for FA) on his way to a 12 TD season. Jason Witten is as solid of a tight end as they come racking up 698 yards and 5 TDs in 2005.
After the first three picks, though, the draft began to fizzle. Ricky Williams was suspended for four games, the exact same number of weeks he was on the club’s roster once eligible for playing. The smokin’ one only managed 21 yards on the ground for FA before owner Lincoln Souzek cut ties with Williams. Ashley Lelie made it to week 8 before also leaving the FA squad with just one touchdown. Jake Plummer proved to be a serviceable backup to Donovan McNabb who would eventually be lost to injury. William Green never was able to unseat Reuben Droughns in Cleveland rendering Green useless. Charles Rogers became friends with Ricky Williams and smoked himself off FA. Bertrand Berry would find greener pastures elsewhere, and rounds 13 and 14 made me hungry for smores.
And so the season began for Father Abraham who was quick out of the gates winning three of their first four games. Souzek saw his team score 100+ in two of the three wins – the only two times they would cross into triple digits all season. During the three game win streak, Donovan McNabb fueled Father Abraham with 10 TDs to just 2 INTs. The supporting crew came alive too with Stephen Davis finding the end zone five times; Priest Holmes averaging 13.50 per game; Anquan Bolding hauling in 22 catches. The end result found Father Abraham one of just three teams above .500, and in third place at 3-1.
Despite the hot start, the league’s attention was turned toward the two teams ahead of Father Abraham in the standings. Andrew Stem’s Cellar Dwellers was the story of the season reeling off four quick victories and finding himself in a tie with the mighty Madd Skillz for first place. The ominous call for respect came in the form of Yahoo smack talk, “Father Abraham, the only team getting less respect than Baron.” This prompted a certain writer (and certified pharmacy technician, that’s Drew Wolf cPht, bitches) to pen a piece analyzing Father Abraham’s strong start. Excerpted from the well written October 5th blog entry:
“Should McNabb go down or even be rested, Father Abraham’s backup is the much less spectacular Jake Plummer…The running back contingent has been the real head scratcher. Jamal Lewis was supposed to be the best running back in the bunch, and Stephen Davis the question mark. Now the roles are reversed with Lewis playing in a Baltimore offense that is mentally challenged and Davis in a well balanced Panthers offense that gives opportunity and running room. Priest Holmes is his solid self, but with Larry Johnson continuing to play well, Holmes’ touches could be in question…So what lies ahead for Father Abraham? McNabb’s surgery, Horn’s health, and Williams’ pot will go a long way in telling just how far this Father Abraham team can go…”
Those question marks would turn into exclamation marks for all the wrong reasons for Souzek. In week 9, Terrell Owens would seal his fate by falling for a meticulously placed ESPN trap where the network creates its own news by setting up interviews with stupid people, giving them a microphone, asking questions with only wrong answers, hyping it incessantly, replaying it for others to comment on, and forcing important people to make decision that they wouldn’t have had to should ESPN have just reported news and not make it. This left Donovan McNabb without anyone to throw the football to, and after the suspension McNabb threw just one touchdown pass before the inexplicable NFL return of Mike McMahon.
As for the running backs, Jamal Lewis continues to be one of the biggest question marks heading into 2006. For the 2005 campaign, he’s rushed for just 700 yards and 3 TDs. These numbers are puzzling after rushing for 2,000+ yards and 14TDs two seasons ago. Priest Holmes was playing at his normal high level until week 8 when a concussion sidelined him and his season. Stephen Davis’ strong start began to cool as the season progressed. His rushing totals by week after the 3-1 Father Abraham start:
Week 5: 46
Week 6: 27
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: 40
Week 9: 48
Week 10: 81
Week 11: 6
Week 12: 25
Week 13: 8
Week 14: 23
Total: 304 yards in 10 weeks
Then came the wide receiver troubles for Souzek. Joe Horn missed four weeks due to injury and hasn’t been the player of 2004. Anquan Boldin missed a couple of weeks, too. Mushin Muhammad has 692 yards receiving and just 3 TDs thanks in large part for playing the bulk of the season with the worst quarterback in the NFL. Thus the star wide outs were not carrying their part of the load.
After said 3-1 start, Souzek had these difficulties to contend with. FA ended up losing seven games in a row – the second worst string of losses in VUFSA history. During the skid the team never scored more than 90 points while having some of the more impressive point totals posted against them. It would not be until week 12 when Souzek’s team would be able to break the streak, defeating WIRM 99.75-76.50 for their fourth and final win of the season. In the end, FA would be 13 points back in the tie breaker to Big Fat Guys and be destined for 9th place.
Looking ahead to 2006, Father Abraham has many pressing questions and the future less certain than it seemed to start this year (then again that might be a good thing based on how this season played out). Donovan McNabb isn’t going to have the elite and stupid Terrell Owens to throw to anymore, so how will that affect McNabb in 2006? What should Souzek do with Joe Horn or Mushin Muhammad? Both showed flashes of prior brilliance but are their best days behind them? Priest Holmes’ career might be done, and if not, it might be done in Kansas City where Larry Johnson now benefits from one of the best offensive lines in football. Stephen Davis managed score a lot of TDs, but the Panthers have had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL and the emergence of DeShaun Foster might push Davis out of the Panthers’ plans. Perhaps the biggest question mark of all is Jamal Lewis whose career has tumbled down the mountain. Will he regain his 2,000 yard form? And if so with what team? Will he stay out of jail? A bright spot for FA is that the team will have the second overall pick to help restructure and rebuild from a disappointing 4-10 2005 season.
Writer's Note: This will be my last piece until at least a few days after Christmas. If you have not and would like to send comments, you can still do so, or if you would like to resend with comical quotes or controversial comments, feel free to do that to.
Championship Preview
VUFSA Bowl II
#1 Madd Skillz vs. #2 Cellar Dwellars
The winningest teams in VUFSA history face off after escaping unupset through the semi-finals...Neither franchise has ever lost a football playoff game...Schillinger has won all 3 meetings between these two franchises
News and Notes, SKL
The injury report is much friendlier this week, and that's after it didn't do any real damage last week...LaDanian Tomlinson is listed as questionable again, but is expected to play, and Domanick Davis is questionable and a game-time decision once more...It's a good thing Johnathan Wells is on the bench- Laverneus Coles for Wells should probably get consideration for GM move of the year...Tom Brady gets the nod over Matt Hasselbeck, despite the threat of not finishng Monday's game and Hasselbeck's hot streak...It's a way of hedging one's bets with Shaun Alexander on the other team; sure a big game from Hasselbeck is a gigantic advantage, but too many times this year, Alexander has done all the scoring for Seattle; a monster game from Shaun is trouble enough, but if it leads to a small game from the QB spot, it's even worse...A high score in the Chargers-Chiefs game can be nothing but good news for SKL, and it's great for them that both of those teams are clinging to slim playoff hopes- which ensures a full workload for the two stud backs in the game...9 of the 20 players on this roster are headed to the pro bowl; 8 of them offensive players.
News and Notes, CD
There are some owies over here, and they come at the worst possible time...All year, the Dwellars have been living on the edge when it comes to depth and remaining injury free- this week they may have fallen off with LaMont Jordan and Kevin Jones uncertain for Saturday...CD can make a move to get an RB- but would have to forfeit Byron Leftwich to do so...CD holds two players who can not only help his cause, but hurt SKL- if Jake Delhomme can have a big game and ignore Steve Smith and if Plaxico Burress can make Eli Manning forget Jeremy Shockey, that bodes very well for Stem's squad...Is it possible that Jerry Porter has a big game with Jordan out of the picture?...Randy McMichael plays against the worst pass defense in the NFL...Roy Williams (and possibly Kevin Jones) also have a nice matchup on tap...Larry Fitzgerald was energized by John Navarre last week, after suffering with Kurt Warner under center; with Warner out, Fitz is a threat for 20 every week again...Really, this comes down to the health of both Jones and Jordan- if both play, there's no real issues, but without one or both- it could get ugly.
#1 Madd Skillz vs. #2 Cellar Dwellars
The winningest teams in VUFSA history face off after escaping unupset through the semi-finals...Neither franchise has ever lost a football playoff game...Schillinger has won all 3 meetings between these two franchises
News and Notes, SKL
The injury report is much friendlier this week, and that's after it didn't do any real damage last week...LaDanian Tomlinson is listed as questionable again, but is expected to play, and Domanick Davis is questionable and a game-time decision once more...It's a good thing Johnathan Wells is on the bench- Laverneus Coles for Wells should probably get consideration for GM move of the year...Tom Brady gets the nod over Matt Hasselbeck, despite the threat of not finishng Monday's game and Hasselbeck's hot streak...It's a way of hedging one's bets with Shaun Alexander on the other team; sure a big game from Hasselbeck is a gigantic advantage, but too many times this year, Alexander has done all the scoring for Seattle; a monster game from Shaun is trouble enough, but if it leads to a small game from the QB spot, it's even worse...A high score in the Chargers-Chiefs game can be nothing but good news for SKL, and it's great for them that both of those teams are clinging to slim playoff hopes- which ensures a full workload for the two stud backs in the game...9 of the 20 players on this roster are headed to the pro bowl; 8 of them offensive players.
News and Notes, CD
There are some owies over here, and they come at the worst possible time...All year, the Dwellars have been living on the edge when it comes to depth and remaining injury free- this week they may have fallen off with LaMont Jordan and Kevin Jones uncertain for Saturday...CD can make a move to get an RB- but would have to forfeit Byron Leftwich to do so...CD holds two players who can not only help his cause, but hurt SKL- if Jake Delhomme can have a big game and ignore Steve Smith and if Plaxico Burress can make Eli Manning forget Jeremy Shockey, that bodes very well for Stem's squad...Is it possible that Jerry Porter has a big game with Jordan out of the picture?...Randy McMichael plays against the worst pass defense in the NFL...Roy Williams (and possibly Kevin Jones) also have a nice matchup on tap...Larry Fitzgerald was energized by John Navarre last week, after suffering with Kurt Warner under center; with Warner out, Fitz is a threat for 20 every week again...Really, this comes down to the health of both Jones and Jordan- if both play, there's no real issues, but without one or both- it could get ugly.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Big Fat Guys: 4-10
Big Fat Guys: 4-10
We continue our look at the 2005 VUFSA season with the second of the two expansion franchises. Similarly, hopes were modest, yet the team overachieved at times. Nine weeks into the season this expansion club was tied for a playoff spot. While doing a magnificent job of competing now, owner Baron Brendel made several trades that built toward his 2006 campaign. Very active in the transaction department, the moves seemed more tempered and thought out than the gun slinging franchise previously discussed. Solid waiver wire acquisitions on players like Marion Barber and Jonathon Wells mixed well with players acquired through trade such as Carson Palmer. In all, Big Fat Guys managed to finish in eighth, and earn a spot in the VUFSA’s phantom consolation bracket.
Expansion Draft:
Tatum Bell
Brian Westbrook
If there was discussion about a questionable expansion draft for Who Is Ron Mexico, it can no doubt be repeated and then some for BFG. Brendel opted to go for running backs, which given their scarcity in the league, was a wise move. The ones he opted for were not. Bell would not even break camp as the starter in a crowded Denver backfield, and Westbrook was a free agent that could have been taken with the first round in the regular draft. Regardless, Brendel did have a couple of backs to work with heading into the real deal.
Round 1: Nate Burleson
Round 2: Marc Bulger
Round 3: Mike Anderson
Round 4: Chris Chambers
Round 5: Antwaan Randel El
Round 6: Mewelde Moore
Round 7: Julius Peppers
Round 8: Donnie Edwards
Round 9: Doug Jolley
Round 10: Brian Urlacher
Round 11: Rodney Harrison
Round 12: Anthony Thomas
Round 13: Joey Galloway
Round 14: Ryan Longwell
Round 15: Jeff Garcia
Supp Round 1: Terry Glenn
Supp Round 2: Jeb Putzier
Supp Round 3:Brandon Lloyd
As with most drafts, this list has its ups and downs. The glaring downer is at the very top of the list. Nate Burleson will go down in VUFSA history as one of, if not the biggest draft day busts. The man supposed to take over for Randy Moss instead took a big dump on BFG’s roster. Brendel added, “Burleson was to replace Randy Moss and was probably the top receiver on most people's boards. He completely sucked. One touchdown for Christ's sake.”
After Burleson, things picked up for BFG with Marc Bulger, Mike Anderson, Chris Chambers, Joey Galloway, and Terry Glenn all becoming key contributors or key names in big time trades. The late round drafting of Galloway (round 13) and Glenn (supp round 1) are two of the best double digit round picks in the league. In week 3, they combined for 25.5 of BFG’s 102.25 (25%). In week 4, it was 21.5 of 82.25 (26%). In week 5, it was 27 of 97.5 (28%). In week 6, it was 20.5 of 96.75 (21%). Not too shabby for a couple of guys that most other teams had forgotten about.
In week 1, Baron nearly pulled off the upset, narrowly losing to Cellar Dwellers 91.0-86.25 (a win he could have had should Brian Urlacher found his way into the starting line up instead of Julius Peppers or Rodney Harrison). Despite the strong showing, BFG would fall to 0-3 and into a match-up against fellow expansion team Who Is Ron Mexico. Before the showdown, Brendel pulled the trigger on a mega trade.
Trades:
9/19 Acquired
Carson Palmer
Travis Henry
6th round pick
Lost:
Brian Westbrook
Antwaan Randel El
At the time, this deal was viewed upon most unfavorably for Big Fat Guys, yet at the end of the season, Brendel looks like a genius. Brian Westbrook would falter in a Philly offense that saw T.O. and then Donovan McNabb vanish before Westbrook himself would eventually be lost to injury. The 6th round pick would help build BFG in the future, and oh yes, there is the matter of Carson Palmer. Quickly, Palmer established himself as the best player on Brendel’s team and ended the year as Yahoo’s highest rated quarterback with 30 TDs to just 10 INTs.
The move would immediately pay dividends as BFG picked up their first win of the year, 82.25-73.50 on the strength of Palmer’s 17.25 and Galloway’s 17.5. The victory would start a string of solid play for Baron who saw his team go 4-2 in weeks 3-9. With wins over WIRM, The Octagon, Father Abraham, and Fred Lane’s Wife, Big Fat Guys found themselves in the playoff hunt at 4-5 tied with several other teams.
During the streak and after, owner Baron Brendel continued to make several shrewd moves. With Palmer playing well, he dealt now backup Marc Bulger for Thomas Jones and another future pick. Jones would solidify the BFG running attack scoring in double digits several times during the streak. On October 17th, Brendel managed to secure a starting running back for 2006 when he traded away Joey Galloway for the rights to Deuce McCallister who was recently lost to injury for the remainder of 2006. Brendel still feels good about the deal, “Galloway turned into Deuce McAllister - which may have to be considered for GM Move of the Year.”
10/3 Acquired
Thomas Jones
Lost:
Marc Bulger
10/3 Acquired
DeShaun Foster
Lee Suggs
Lost:
Brandon Lloyd
Mike Anderson
10/17 Acquired
Deuce McCallister
Lost:
Joey Galloway
11/17 Acquired
Frank Gore
Lost:
Deshaun Foster
11/17 Acquired
Laverneus Coles
Lost:
Jonathan Wells
12/6 Acquired:
Antowain Smith
LJ Smith
Chris Henry
Lost:
Terry Glenn
Dallas Clark
12/7 Acquired
Brian Westbrook
Lost:
1st round 2006 pick
Despite the team’s mid season success, the second go round of the schedule would eventually put away Big Fat Guys for the year. Brendel’s team had to play four of the VUFSA’s top five teams to close the year, and all of them came away with victories. The 106-90 record of BFG’s opponents would be the toughest anyone would see for the season. The glaring loss came at the hands of WIRM against whom Brendel suffered a humbling defeat saying in retrospect, “Week 13 vs. Tomke - Open mouth, insert foot.”
Even with the playoff push passed, Brendel made one final trade that will go a long way in shaping his 2006 campaign. On December 7th, Brian Westbrook became a Big Fat Guy for a second time with Brendel trading away his first overall selection in 2006. With memories of Nate Burleson in mind, Brendel is not concerned on missing out on first rounders, “My complete inablility at drafting in the 1st round was a big part of the decision to trade that pick for Westbrook - he is proven, my 1st round picking skills are not. Trading my 1st rounder doesn't hurt me that bad - I still have good, young players, and just look where I drafted my most productive receivers this year (4th, 13th, Supplementary). Two extra mid-round picks is also very useful. Next year I won't be as jumpy to make moves in the beginning of the season, I realize that I need to just wait and see sometimes.”
With a core of Carson Palmer, Deuce McCallister, and Brian Westbrook, BFG will compete at a higher level in 2006. Chris Chambers, Thomas Jones, and Ahman Green will compete for the other two spots on Brendel’s keeper roster. In fact, Baron is already modeling his campaign after another huge turn around, “I fully intend to be the 'Stem' of 2006 in football."
We continue our look at the 2005 VUFSA season with the second of the two expansion franchises. Similarly, hopes were modest, yet the team overachieved at times. Nine weeks into the season this expansion club was tied for a playoff spot. While doing a magnificent job of competing now, owner Baron Brendel made several trades that built toward his 2006 campaign. Very active in the transaction department, the moves seemed more tempered and thought out than the gun slinging franchise previously discussed. Solid waiver wire acquisitions on players like Marion Barber and Jonathon Wells mixed well with players acquired through trade such as Carson Palmer. In all, Big Fat Guys managed to finish in eighth, and earn a spot in the VUFSA’s phantom consolation bracket.
Expansion Draft:
Tatum Bell
Brian Westbrook
If there was discussion about a questionable expansion draft for Who Is Ron Mexico, it can no doubt be repeated and then some for BFG. Brendel opted to go for running backs, which given their scarcity in the league, was a wise move. The ones he opted for were not. Bell would not even break camp as the starter in a crowded Denver backfield, and Westbrook was a free agent that could have been taken with the first round in the regular draft. Regardless, Brendel did have a couple of backs to work with heading into the real deal.
Round 1: Nate Burleson
Round 2: Marc Bulger
Round 3: Mike Anderson
Round 4: Chris Chambers
Round 5: Antwaan Randel El
Round 6: Mewelde Moore
Round 7: Julius Peppers
Round 8: Donnie Edwards
Round 9: Doug Jolley
Round 10: Brian Urlacher
Round 11: Rodney Harrison
Round 12: Anthony Thomas
Round 13: Joey Galloway
Round 14: Ryan Longwell
Round 15: Jeff Garcia
Supp Round 1: Terry Glenn
Supp Round 2: Jeb Putzier
Supp Round 3:Brandon Lloyd
As with most drafts, this list has its ups and downs. The glaring downer is at the very top of the list. Nate Burleson will go down in VUFSA history as one of, if not the biggest draft day busts. The man supposed to take over for Randy Moss instead took a big dump on BFG’s roster. Brendel added, “Burleson was to replace Randy Moss and was probably the top receiver on most people's boards. He completely sucked. One touchdown for Christ's sake.”
After Burleson, things picked up for BFG with Marc Bulger, Mike Anderson, Chris Chambers, Joey Galloway, and Terry Glenn all becoming key contributors or key names in big time trades. The late round drafting of Galloway (round 13) and Glenn (supp round 1) are two of the best double digit round picks in the league. In week 3, they combined for 25.5 of BFG’s 102.25 (25%). In week 4, it was 21.5 of 82.25 (26%). In week 5, it was 27 of 97.5 (28%). In week 6, it was 20.5 of 96.75 (21%). Not too shabby for a couple of guys that most other teams had forgotten about.
In week 1, Baron nearly pulled off the upset, narrowly losing to Cellar Dwellers 91.0-86.25 (a win he could have had should Brian Urlacher found his way into the starting line up instead of Julius Peppers or Rodney Harrison). Despite the strong showing, BFG would fall to 0-3 and into a match-up against fellow expansion team Who Is Ron Mexico. Before the showdown, Brendel pulled the trigger on a mega trade.
Trades:
9/19 Acquired
Carson Palmer
Travis Henry
6th round pick
Lost:
Brian Westbrook
Antwaan Randel El
At the time, this deal was viewed upon most unfavorably for Big Fat Guys, yet at the end of the season, Brendel looks like a genius. Brian Westbrook would falter in a Philly offense that saw T.O. and then Donovan McNabb vanish before Westbrook himself would eventually be lost to injury. The 6th round pick would help build BFG in the future, and oh yes, there is the matter of Carson Palmer. Quickly, Palmer established himself as the best player on Brendel’s team and ended the year as Yahoo’s highest rated quarterback with 30 TDs to just 10 INTs.
The move would immediately pay dividends as BFG picked up their first win of the year, 82.25-73.50 on the strength of Palmer’s 17.25 and Galloway’s 17.5. The victory would start a string of solid play for Baron who saw his team go 4-2 in weeks 3-9. With wins over WIRM, The Octagon, Father Abraham, and Fred Lane’s Wife, Big Fat Guys found themselves in the playoff hunt at 4-5 tied with several other teams.
During the streak and after, owner Baron Brendel continued to make several shrewd moves. With Palmer playing well, he dealt now backup Marc Bulger for Thomas Jones and another future pick. Jones would solidify the BFG running attack scoring in double digits several times during the streak. On October 17th, Brendel managed to secure a starting running back for 2006 when he traded away Joey Galloway for the rights to Deuce McCallister who was recently lost to injury for the remainder of 2006. Brendel still feels good about the deal, “Galloway turned into Deuce McAllister - which may have to be considered for GM Move of the Year.”
10/3 Acquired
Thomas Jones
Lost:
Marc Bulger
10/3 Acquired
DeShaun Foster
Lee Suggs
Lost:
Brandon Lloyd
Mike Anderson
10/17 Acquired
Deuce McCallister
Lost:
Joey Galloway
11/17 Acquired
Frank Gore
Lost:
Deshaun Foster
11/17 Acquired
Laverneus Coles
Lost:
Jonathan Wells
12/6 Acquired:
Antowain Smith
LJ Smith
Chris Henry
Lost:
Terry Glenn
Dallas Clark
12/7 Acquired
Brian Westbrook
Lost:
1st round 2006 pick
Despite the team’s mid season success, the second go round of the schedule would eventually put away Big Fat Guys for the year. Brendel’s team had to play four of the VUFSA’s top five teams to close the year, and all of them came away with victories. The 106-90 record of BFG’s opponents would be the toughest anyone would see for the season. The glaring loss came at the hands of WIRM against whom Brendel suffered a humbling defeat saying in retrospect, “Week 13 vs. Tomke - Open mouth, insert foot.”
Even with the playoff push passed, Brendel made one final trade that will go a long way in shaping his 2006 campaign. On December 7th, Brian Westbrook became a Big Fat Guy for a second time with Brendel trading away his first overall selection in 2006. With memories of Nate Burleson in mind, Brendel is not concerned on missing out on first rounders, “My complete inablility at drafting in the 1st round was a big part of the decision to trade that pick for Westbrook - he is proven, my 1st round picking skills are not. Trading my 1st rounder doesn't hurt me that bad - I still have good, young players, and just look where I drafted my most productive receivers this year (4th, 13th, Supplementary). Two extra mid-round picks is also very useful. Next year I won't be as jumpy to make moves in the beginning of the season, I realize that I need to just wait and see sometimes.”
With a core of Carson Palmer, Deuce McCallister, and Brian Westbrook, BFG will compete at a higher level in 2006. Chris Chambers, Thomas Jones, and Ahman Green will compete for the other two spots on Brendel’s keeper roster. In fact, Baron is already modeling his campaign after another huge turn around, “I fully intend to be the 'Stem' of 2006 in football."
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Who Is Ron Mexico: 3-11
Who Is Ron Mexico: 3-11
Ken’s Anal Adventure was one of two expansion teams who entered the VUFSA this season. Hopes were modest as expansion rules allowed but two players to be on their roster before the regular season draft. Despite these limitations, the soon to be renamed Who Is Ron Mexico club had an active season leading the league with a dizzying 76 transactions and several competitive games – including the biggest upset in league history. In all, the team managed three wins but will have the first overall selection in the 2006 draft.
Expansion Draft:
Antonio Gates
Reggie Wayne
The expansion draft brought much criticism from other league owners who thought a running back should have been selected. WIRM’s choice to pass on the likes of Steven Jackson hurt the team’s depth at running back all season. The team did manage to procure the league’s best tight end and a solid wide receiver, though both were jettisoned by September 20th (week 3) as part of a drastic restructuring process. Regret continues to plague Tomke who was quoted earlier this weeks saying, “Both were traded, and looking back, Gates shouldn't have been. FUCK.”
Round 1: Brett Farve
Round 2: Brandon Stokley
Round 3: DeShaun Foster
Round 4: Justin McCareins
Round 5: Marty Booker
Round 6: Jason Hanson
Round 7: Lee Suggs
Round 8: Mike Brown
Round 9: Zach Thomas
Round 10: Brian Griese
Round 11: Ladell Betts
Round 12: Kareem Gbaja-Biamila
Round 13: Willie McGinest
Round 14: Mike Alstott
Round 15: Timmy Chang!
Supp Round 1: Marcus Pollard
Supp Round 2: David Boston
Supp Round 3: Bobby Wade
The draft did little to provide WIRM with any sort of foundation for their inaugural season. First overall selection Brett Farve played one week, scored 1.75 points, and ended his WIRM playing career hitting the waiver wires. Their second pick Brandon Stokley struggled all season falling deep into the Colts’ offensive shadows after a break out 1,000 yard, 10 touchdown season for Indy a year ago. Third pick DeShaun Foster was traded away and then reacquired in what looks to be one of the team’s keepers heading into 2006. The list of underachieving selections ranges from Marty Booker to Brain Griese. The highlight of the draft, unquestionably, was the brilliant selection of field magician Timmy Chang in round 15.
Trades:
9/11 Acquired:
Mike Vick
Lost:
2nd round 2006 pick
September 11th, a day that will live in infamy. The day that WIRM’s team blew up (does this awful analogy make me a bad person? The answer is yes.). Farve was gone after one game, and LaTomke opted to grab Michael Vick from ChamPeons in exchange for the club’s second round pick in the 2006 draft. The trade initially paid dividends with Vick scoring in double digits each of his first three games. Then the wheels fell off.
Week 5: 0 points
Week 6: benched
Week 7: 8.75 points
Week 8 and 9: did not play
After that, it was a roller coaster ride with Vick’s totals all over the place.
Week 10: 28.0 points
Week 11: benched
Week 12: 19 points
Week 13: 3.25 points
Week 14 25.5 points
Week 15 2.75 points
Wild point swings made Vick a make or break player and one of WIRM’s more perplexing decision heading into 2006. Which quarterback should be at the helm next season? Michael Vick or the youthful Lil’ Eli Manning? Or both… If Vick isn’t a keeper, LaTomke paid a steep price in an attempt to win now as with their second overall pick gone, the snake rules will bite WIRM who will have to wait 28 players before getting to select their second in the draft.
Some of WIRM’s key trades are listed below. Of note was losing Reggie Wayne for an often injured duo of TJ Duckett and Issac Bruce. The September 19th trade where LaTomke lost Thomas Jones and Antonio Gates for Ahman Green and Michael Clayton was a season killer. Tomke on Green: “Key Injuries: Ahman Green is a fucking pussy.”
9/14 Acquired:
Thomas Jones
Troy Williamson
Lost:
Kevin Curtis
Robert Ferguson
9/15 Acquired:
Issac Bruce
TJ Duckett
Lost:
Reggie Wayne
9/19 Acquired:
Ahman Green
Michael Clayton
Lost:
Thomas Jones
Antonio Gates
10/3 Acquired:
Brandon Lloyd
Mike Anderson
Lost:
DeShaun Foster
Lee Suggs
10/31 Acquired:
Tony Fisher
Chester Taylor
Lost:
Mike Anderson
11/17 Acquired:
Deshuan Foster
Lost:
Frank Gore
So what of the high points in the year for WIRM? Week 2 undoubtedly was an unforgettable moment for the rookie franchise. The team took down the mighty Sex Panther in what is being labeled as the biggest upset in league history (all of 2 years). Led by Michael Vick’s 14.75 points and Thomas Jones’ 26.00, LaTomke scored a solid 95.25 and became the first of the two expansion teams to win a game.
Unfortunately for WIRM, that game would be the last time they would taste victory for some time as the team embarked on a sad seven game losing streak. During the streak, the team posted scores of 42.00, 61.50, 69.25, and 47.50 (ironically the same scores as Ed’s four running backs anytime he plays the Blaine Browns, but I digress…).
In week 10 the team got back on track knocking ChamPeons from playoff contention with a 91.50-75.25 victory. The league eagerly awaited for “Eli’s Revenge” in week 11. WIRM, instead, was in position for the season sweep against Sex Panther heading into Monday Night Football needing just six points from Green Bay running back Samkon Gado who the previous week unleashed 30 points on a 3 touchdown effort. The thunder was booming, but ended up busting as Gado could only must 7 yards rushing and 1 catch for 30 yards disappointing LaTomke. Tomke on the loss, “Samkon Gado was pretty good, except when I needed him.”
Week 13 held the rematch of the expansion teams. Big Fat Guys took round one with a 82.25-73.0 win in week 4. In that matchup, WIRM suffered a repeat of week 11 when a Green Bay back, this time Ahman Green (remember the “fucking pussy” guy) posted a mere 6 points on Monday night football when a strong double digit performance (remember when that was expected of Ahman Green?) would have brought LaTomke victory. Back to week 13, the hopes were high for WIRM who wanted to prevent owner Baron Brendel’s proclamation of “king of the expansion teams” from coming true. It did not as WIRM put up a season high and only triple digit performance of the year 102.25 to Big Fat Guys’ 93.50. In the victory, Braylon Edwards had 18.5, Ricky Williams 14.0, and DeShaun Foster a whopping 28.5. After the win, Tomke added, “I beat Baron, which was good, because I really was going to kill myself if I didn't.”
The team finished the season at 3-11 and at the bottom of the VUFSA standings. Heading into next year, the team needs to address its offense having put up the lowest per week average at 75.18 – 11 points below the 9th place squad. With a core of Vick, Manning, Foster, and Edwards, the team has youth and room to grow. The first overall pick will no doubt help, and Tomke is not bashful about the hopes for said pick, “After the draft, Reggie Bush will instantly become the best player on my team.”
Ken’s Anal Adventure was one of two expansion teams who entered the VUFSA this season. Hopes were modest as expansion rules allowed but two players to be on their roster before the regular season draft. Despite these limitations, the soon to be renamed Who Is Ron Mexico club had an active season leading the league with a dizzying 76 transactions and several competitive games – including the biggest upset in league history. In all, the team managed three wins but will have the first overall selection in the 2006 draft.
Expansion Draft:
Antonio Gates
Reggie Wayne
The expansion draft brought much criticism from other league owners who thought a running back should have been selected. WIRM’s choice to pass on the likes of Steven Jackson hurt the team’s depth at running back all season. The team did manage to procure the league’s best tight end and a solid wide receiver, though both were jettisoned by September 20th (week 3) as part of a drastic restructuring process. Regret continues to plague Tomke who was quoted earlier this weeks saying, “Both were traded, and looking back, Gates shouldn't have been. FUCK.”
Round 1: Brett Farve
Round 2: Brandon Stokley
Round 3: DeShaun Foster
Round 4: Justin McCareins
Round 5: Marty Booker
Round 6: Jason Hanson
Round 7: Lee Suggs
Round 8: Mike Brown
Round 9: Zach Thomas
Round 10: Brian Griese
Round 11: Ladell Betts
Round 12: Kareem Gbaja-Biamila
Round 13: Willie McGinest
Round 14: Mike Alstott
Round 15: Timmy Chang!
Supp Round 1: Marcus Pollard
Supp Round 2: David Boston
Supp Round 3: Bobby Wade
The draft did little to provide WIRM with any sort of foundation for their inaugural season. First overall selection Brett Farve played one week, scored 1.75 points, and ended his WIRM playing career hitting the waiver wires. Their second pick Brandon Stokley struggled all season falling deep into the Colts’ offensive shadows after a break out 1,000 yard, 10 touchdown season for Indy a year ago. Third pick DeShaun Foster was traded away and then reacquired in what looks to be one of the team’s keepers heading into 2006. The list of underachieving selections ranges from Marty Booker to Brain Griese. The highlight of the draft, unquestionably, was the brilliant selection of field magician Timmy Chang in round 15.
Trades:
9/11 Acquired:
Mike Vick
Lost:
2nd round 2006 pick
September 11th, a day that will live in infamy. The day that WIRM’s team blew up (does this awful analogy make me a bad person? The answer is yes.). Farve was gone after one game, and LaTomke opted to grab Michael Vick from ChamPeons in exchange for the club’s second round pick in the 2006 draft. The trade initially paid dividends with Vick scoring in double digits each of his first three games. Then the wheels fell off.
Week 5: 0 points
Week 6: benched
Week 7: 8.75 points
Week 8 and 9: did not play
After that, it was a roller coaster ride with Vick’s totals all over the place.
Week 10: 28.0 points
Week 11: benched
Week 12: 19 points
Week 13: 3.25 points
Week 14 25.5 points
Week 15 2.75 points
Wild point swings made Vick a make or break player and one of WIRM’s more perplexing decision heading into 2006. Which quarterback should be at the helm next season? Michael Vick or the youthful Lil’ Eli Manning? Or both… If Vick isn’t a keeper, LaTomke paid a steep price in an attempt to win now as with their second overall pick gone, the snake rules will bite WIRM who will have to wait 28 players before getting to select their second in the draft.
Some of WIRM’s key trades are listed below. Of note was losing Reggie Wayne for an often injured duo of TJ Duckett and Issac Bruce. The September 19th trade where LaTomke lost Thomas Jones and Antonio Gates for Ahman Green and Michael Clayton was a season killer. Tomke on Green: “Key Injuries: Ahman Green is a fucking pussy.”
9/14 Acquired:
Thomas Jones
Troy Williamson
Lost:
Kevin Curtis
Robert Ferguson
9/15 Acquired:
Issac Bruce
TJ Duckett
Lost:
Reggie Wayne
9/19 Acquired:
Ahman Green
Michael Clayton
Lost:
Thomas Jones
Antonio Gates
10/3 Acquired:
Brandon Lloyd
Mike Anderson
Lost:
DeShaun Foster
Lee Suggs
10/31 Acquired:
Tony Fisher
Chester Taylor
Lost:
Mike Anderson
11/17 Acquired:
Deshuan Foster
Lost:
Frank Gore
So what of the high points in the year for WIRM? Week 2 undoubtedly was an unforgettable moment for the rookie franchise. The team took down the mighty Sex Panther in what is being labeled as the biggest upset in league history (all of 2 years). Led by Michael Vick’s 14.75 points and Thomas Jones’ 26.00, LaTomke scored a solid 95.25 and became the first of the two expansion teams to win a game.
Unfortunately for WIRM, that game would be the last time they would taste victory for some time as the team embarked on a sad seven game losing streak. During the streak, the team posted scores of 42.00, 61.50, 69.25, and 47.50 (ironically the same scores as Ed’s four running backs anytime he plays the Blaine Browns, but I digress…).
In week 10 the team got back on track knocking ChamPeons from playoff contention with a 91.50-75.25 victory. The league eagerly awaited for “Eli’s Revenge” in week 11. WIRM, instead, was in position for the season sweep against Sex Panther heading into Monday Night Football needing just six points from Green Bay running back Samkon Gado who the previous week unleashed 30 points on a 3 touchdown effort. The thunder was booming, but ended up busting as Gado could only must 7 yards rushing and 1 catch for 30 yards disappointing LaTomke. Tomke on the loss, “Samkon Gado was pretty good, except when I needed him.”
Week 13 held the rematch of the expansion teams. Big Fat Guys took round one with a 82.25-73.0 win in week 4. In that matchup, WIRM suffered a repeat of week 11 when a Green Bay back, this time Ahman Green (remember the “fucking pussy” guy) posted a mere 6 points on Monday night football when a strong double digit performance (remember when that was expected of Ahman Green?) would have brought LaTomke victory. Back to week 13, the hopes were high for WIRM who wanted to prevent owner Baron Brendel’s proclamation of “king of the expansion teams” from coming true. It did not as WIRM put up a season high and only triple digit performance of the year 102.25 to Big Fat Guys’ 93.50. In the victory, Braylon Edwards had 18.5, Ricky Williams 14.0, and DeShaun Foster a whopping 28.5. After the win, Tomke added, “I beat Baron, which was good, because I really was going to kill myself if I didn't.”
The team finished the season at 3-11 and at the bottom of the VUFSA standings. Heading into next year, the team needs to address its offense having put up the lowest per week average at 75.18 – 11 points below the 9th place squad. With a core of Vick, Manning, Foster, and Edwards, the team has youth and room to grow. The first overall pick will no doubt help, and Tomke is not bashful about the hopes for said pick, “After the draft, Reggie Bush will instantly become the best player on my team.”
Semi-Final Recap
Semi-Final #1
#1 Madd Skillz 170.75
#4 Blaine Browns 85.50
There have been two 170+ point performances in the VUFSA this year, and Drew Wolf has been the victim in both. The Blaine Browns picked a bad time to post their lowest score of the year, but it didn't matter much, as top-seeded Madd Skillz set a playoff record for points in a 170.75-85.50 win.
SKL got 7 double digit performers, compared to BB's 2, and 5 of SKL's 7 double digit tallies exceeded 20 points. Larry Johnson led all scorers with 29 points Saturday evening, and he was joined over 20 by Matt Hasselbeck (28.25), Rudi Johnson (23.50), last second start Johnathon Wells (20.50), and Steve Smith (21.00). Not included on the list of double digit performers is LaDanian Tomlinson- who hobbled to 9.50 points, and his injury is the only dark spot in a very good week for SKL.
One would think that with Tomlinson coming up lame, the door would be open for BB's QB and RB1 tandem to run through, but both Drew Brees and Edgerrin James disappointed, amassing just 17.50 points between them. TJ Houshmandzadeh led the Browns with 12.50 points, though his total made him just the 3rd highest scoring Bengal in this matchup. It was really an average week for a couple other key performers, 7.50 from Randy Moss, 9 from Ruben Droughns and 8.50 from Warrick Dunn. Solid, but not enough in the playoffs.
This runs Schillinger's personal win streak over Wolf to 4 games, and marks the second straight season that he has ousted Drew from the first round of the playoffs.
Semi-Final #2
#2 Cellar Dwellars 99.25
#3 The Octagon 85.75
After 7 straight wins and 100+ points in 7 of the last 8 games (the lone sub100 score being 97), the magic ran out for OCT this week. In a game that was lost as much as it was won- CD continues it's fairytale season with a 99.25-85.75 win in the franchise's first playoff game.
Why should this week be any different from any other week? (Viano might get that one) The CD attack was led by 41 combined points from Shaun Alexander (23) and LaMont Jordan (18). A subpar week from either of those two runners could have very well doomed CD, as only two other players hit double figures- Jake Delhomme (12.25) and Larry Fitzgerald (13). Roy Williams (9) scored, but didn't do much else, and that's the entire honor roll for this team. With only one playoff team exceeding 100 points, (101 being the league average) it didn't take a huge effort for a win.
OCT had a chance to put this game away on Saturday, watching 5 starters take the field that day. Until the late game, it was a nightmare. Trent Green and Tony Gonzalez continue to confuse, while Cadillac Williams outscored his backup and CD starter Michael Pittman by a measley 3 points. Mike Anderson's run to 21.50 helped prevent the day from being a total loss- but we didn't know then that that 21.50 would be a quarter of the team's points. Greg Jones was OCT's lone runner on Sunday, and his 5 points didnt do much. The OCT WRs, a strength of this franchise from literally day one of the league, had a nice day, but the Colt sisters couldn't find the end zone, Jimmy Smith couldn't find enough holes in the 49er pass defense, and Terry Glenn couldn't find the field, as JR's Sunday crew could not hold the lead.
After reversing his 3-11 finish from last season, Andrew Stem finds himself in the Championship Game against a fellow 11 game winner. Radcliffe will take on Drew Wolf for the right to repeat as placewinners in VUFSA Football.
#1 Madd Skillz 170.75
#4 Blaine Browns 85.50
There have been two 170+ point performances in the VUFSA this year, and Drew Wolf has been the victim in both. The Blaine Browns picked a bad time to post their lowest score of the year, but it didn't matter much, as top-seeded Madd Skillz set a playoff record for points in a 170.75-85.50 win.
SKL got 7 double digit performers, compared to BB's 2, and 5 of SKL's 7 double digit tallies exceeded 20 points. Larry Johnson led all scorers with 29 points Saturday evening, and he was joined over 20 by Matt Hasselbeck (28.25), Rudi Johnson (23.50), last second start Johnathon Wells (20.50), and Steve Smith (21.00). Not included on the list of double digit performers is LaDanian Tomlinson- who hobbled to 9.50 points, and his injury is the only dark spot in a very good week for SKL.
One would think that with Tomlinson coming up lame, the door would be open for BB's QB and RB1 tandem to run through, but both Drew Brees and Edgerrin James disappointed, amassing just 17.50 points between them. TJ Houshmandzadeh led the Browns with 12.50 points, though his total made him just the 3rd highest scoring Bengal in this matchup. It was really an average week for a couple other key performers, 7.50 from Randy Moss, 9 from Ruben Droughns and 8.50 from Warrick Dunn. Solid, but not enough in the playoffs.
This runs Schillinger's personal win streak over Wolf to 4 games, and marks the second straight season that he has ousted Drew from the first round of the playoffs.
Semi-Final #2
#2 Cellar Dwellars 99.25
#3 The Octagon 85.75
After 7 straight wins and 100+ points in 7 of the last 8 games (the lone sub100 score being 97), the magic ran out for OCT this week. In a game that was lost as much as it was won- CD continues it's fairytale season with a 99.25-85.75 win in the franchise's first playoff game.
Why should this week be any different from any other week? (Viano might get that one) The CD attack was led by 41 combined points from Shaun Alexander (23) and LaMont Jordan (18). A subpar week from either of those two runners could have very well doomed CD, as only two other players hit double figures- Jake Delhomme (12.25) and Larry Fitzgerald (13). Roy Williams (9) scored, but didn't do much else, and that's the entire honor roll for this team. With only one playoff team exceeding 100 points, (101 being the league average) it didn't take a huge effort for a win.
OCT had a chance to put this game away on Saturday, watching 5 starters take the field that day. Until the late game, it was a nightmare. Trent Green and Tony Gonzalez continue to confuse, while Cadillac Williams outscored his backup and CD starter Michael Pittman by a measley 3 points. Mike Anderson's run to 21.50 helped prevent the day from being a total loss- but we didn't know then that that 21.50 would be a quarter of the team's points. Greg Jones was OCT's lone runner on Sunday, and his 5 points didnt do much. The OCT WRs, a strength of this franchise from literally day one of the league, had a nice day, but the Colt sisters couldn't find the end zone, Jimmy Smith couldn't find enough holes in the 49er pass defense, and Terry Glenn couldn't find the field, as JR's Sunday crew could not hold the lead.
After reversing his 3-11 finish from last season, Andrew Stem finds himself in the Championship Game against a fellow 11 game winner. Radcliffe will take on Drew Wolf for the right to repeat as placewinners in VUFSA Football.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
End of Year Averages
I made this a pretty little chart in my Word document, but since I lack the html skills of certain VUFSA members, it will instead appear as a mumbo jumbo in long lines. To retain any semblance of the organized spacing, I pathetically used periods. Regardless, there are three bits of information per team. The first "column" shows the average points per week that a team had. A "points for" column if you will. The second is the opponent's scoring average against a team per week. The "points against." The final column is the opponent's record column. Difficulty of schedule would in reality be a combination of the last two columns. League rank is in parentheses next to the number.
Madd Skillz:......132.16 (1st).....92.05 (9th)....93-103 (9th)
Cellar Dwellers:..111.73 (4th).....87.16 (10th)...90-106 (10th)
The Octagon:......105.39 (5th).....104.96 (3rd)...101-95 (4th)
Blaine Browns:....114.20 (3rd).....112.16 (1st)...102-94 (2nd)
Sex Panther:......115.98 (2nd).....103.55 (5th)....98-98 (7th)
Fred Lane’s Wife:.101.05 (6th).....95.20 (8th)....100-96 (5th)
ChamPeons:........ 88.71 (7th).....102.60 (7th)...100-96 (5th)
Big Fat Guys:.......87.05 (8th).....106.73 (2nd)...106-90 (1st)
Father Abraham:....86.09 (9th).....103.32 (6th)...102-94 (2nd)
Who Is Ron Mexico?:75.18 (10th)...104.41 (4th)...95-101 (8th)
Now because you couldn't possibly draw any conclusions on your own, I will offer my two cents on these numbers.
Madd Skillz is scary good. On average they are winning their games by 40 points per week. Eesh.
While it makes sense that Skillz and Cellar Dwellers are going to have "easier" schedules by virtue of not having to play their 11-3 selves, they did finish the year ranked 1 and 2 in both opponent scoring average and opponent record. While they both field strong teams, that "weaker" schedule certainly helps out. Celler Dwellers benefited from being the only team in the league to play teams who on average scored under 90 points per week.
We (ok me) have given JR a lot of crap for winning early season games and even some for making the playoffs (Eli). After all, he wasn't a top 4 scorer this year or last year for that matter and he's still in it. But, looking at his opponents, it's hard to say he doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs. He played the fourth toughest win-loss schedule and third toughest opponent scoring average. People weren't rolling over letting him into the postseason and his late season victories against some of the VUFSA's best proved that.
The last time I wrote on opponent scoring average, Lincoln had the toughest go of it, but late season weaklings fizzled out his tough average. On the other hand, you sons of bitches managed to up the difficulty level on me. The Blaine Browns took on a 112 points per week, 6 more than the next closest competitor, and the only team in the 110s. Mostly, this is Ed's fault. Bastard. I hope I beat you.
Baron and I argued about who had the toughest schedule and as much as this pains me, we are both right. I played a tougher points per week and he did play the toughest win-loss record. Certainly a tough draw for an expansion team.
Interestingly, the top five teams in the win-loss column are mixed about in relation to their average points per week. The bottom five teams, though, are in perfect order.
Madd Skillz:......132.16 (1st).....92.05 (9th)....93-103 (9th)
Cellar Dwellers:..111.73 (4th).....87.16 (10th)...90-106 (10th)
The Octagon:......105.39 (5th).....104.96 (3rd)...101-95 (4th)
Blaine Browns:....114.20 (3rd).....112.16 (1st)...102-94 (2nd)
Sex Panther:......115.98 (2nd).....103.55 (5th)....98-98 (7th)
Fred Lane’s Wife:.101.05 (6th).....95.20 (8th)....100-96 (5th)
ChamPeons:........ 88.71 (7th).....102.60 (7th)...100-96 (5th)
Big Fat Guys:.......87.05 (8th).....106.73 (2nd)...106-90 (1st)
Father Abraham:....86.09 (9th).....103.32 (6th)...102-94 (2nd)
Who Is Ron Mexico?:75.18 (10th)...104.41 (4th)...95-101 (8th)
Now because you couldn't possibly draw any conclusions on your own, I will offer my two cents on these numbers.
Madd Skillz is scary good. On average they are winning their games by 40 points per week. Eesh.
While it makes sense that Skillz and Cellar Dwellers are going to have "easier" schedules by virtue of not having to play their 11-3 selves, they did finish the year ranked 1 and 2 in both opponent scoring average and opponent record. While they both field strong teams, that "weaker" schedule certainly helps out. Celler Dwellers benefited from being the only team in the league to play teams who on average scored under 90 points per week.
We (ok me) have given JR a lot of crap for winning early season games and even some for making the playoffs (Eli). After all, he wasn't a top 4 scorer this year or last year for that matter and he's still in it. But, looking at his opponents, it's hard to say he doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs. He played the fourth toughest win-loss schedule and third toughest opponent scoring average. People weren't rolling over letting him into the postseason and his late season victories against some of the VUFSA's best proved that.
The last time I wrote on opponent scoring average, Lincoln had the toughest go of it, but late season weaklings fizzled out his tough average. On the other hand, you sons of bitches managed to up the difficulty level on me. The Blaine Browns took on a 112 points per week, 6 more than the next closest competitor, and the only team in the 110s. Mostly, this is Ed's fault. Bastard. I hope I beat you.
Baron and I argued about who had the toughest schedule and as much as this pains me, we are both right. I played a tougher points per week and he did play the toughest win-loss record. Certainly a tough draw for an expansion team.
Interestingly, the top five teams in the win-loss column are mixed about in relation to their average points per week. The bottom five teams, though, are in perfect order.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Playoff Preview
#1 Madd Skillz vs. #4 Blaine Browns
The highest scoring teams in the playoffs face off in the semi-finals; a rematch of one of last season's semi-final games...In their two regular season meetings, BB averaged an outstanding 117 points per game (league avg: 101.75)...However, he ran into the #2 and #8 single game high scores those two weeks, as SKL averaged 165 points in their two meetings...Schillinger leads the all-time matchup with the Wolfman 3-2, winning the last three
News and Notes, SKL
Has a potentially crippling injury report this week- as LaDanian Tomlinson, Tom Brady and Domanick Davis all listed as Questionable...Brady will allegedly play, but will not start for SKL, as Matt Hasselbeck does not walk with a limp and has a much better matchup...Tomlinson is the most likely of the three to play this week, and the only thing to worry about there is an in-game aggrevation of his injury...Despite including the #4 QB and #2 RB, the worst injury on that list is Domanick Davis. Davis is playing excellent football now, and sits on a matchup with the lowly Cardinals. Unlike LDT and Brady, Davis is considered a game-time decision, and his absence would be a huge hit for SKL...WRs have been a big strength for SKL all season, but Santana Moss is slowly disappearing, and Chad Johnson is becoming less and less a focal point every week...When all is said and done, there are two games that will determine who wins this game: SD vs. IND (Brees, James- BB vs. Tomlinson- SKL) and the Bengals game (Chad and Rudi Johnson vs. TJ HoushmanihateJR)...X-Factor: Santana Moss, who burned the Cowboys in their last meeting but has been slumping. Needs a big game against the team that gave up on him in week 2.
News and Notes, BB
It doesn't look like Drew will have to worry about Edgerrin James getting shut down now that the Colts have things wrapped up- he is supposed to get his normal workload in what should be a high scoring game with the Chargers...That game also looks like it could yield big numbers for Drew Brees- as it's more than likely that his team will be playing from behind. Brees is a huge key for BB, as he needs to keep LDT out of the end zone...While we're going over good news: Randy Moss and Ruben Droughns have dreamy matchups, as does TJ Houshmanihatejr...There is some bad news- BB's Falcons (Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler) have to fight the Bears Defense Sunday Night...Also, Chris Brown is listed as questionable, but it looks like he will play...SKL is likely to grab an early lead with Jeremy Shockey and Larry Johnson playing on Saturday, but BB could have the last laugh- with 3 skill players playing prime-timers, the Falcons and Donald Driver on Monday Night...X-Factor: Randy Moss. The wide receiver has been part of two controversial trades this year- but has yet to really benefit either team (Oakland and Blaine) that acquired him. With Kerry Collins throwing for the Raiders again, Moss could get some serious looks downfield against the Cleveland secondary.
#2 Cellar Dwellars vs. #3 The Octagon
Each team in this game won 7 games in a row at some point this season...The only new blood in this year's playoffs rests in this game, as first time entrant Andrew Stem tastes the postseason for the first time ever...The best two kickers in the VUFSA take the field here...There are four Williams' taking the field in this game, topping the three Johnsons (although there could be four) in the other Semi-Final...JR has beaten Stem in 3 of their 4 meetings all-time
News and Notes, CD
The first major injury of the season hits CD at the worst time, as starting runner Kevin Jones is Doubtful for this weeks tilt with the Bengals...Even though Jones hasn't had a good season, the fact that only Michael Pittman is available to fill his spot makes a downgrade inevitable...The only good thing that can come out of starting Pittman is if OCT's Cadillac breaks down and all the Buccaneers RB points shift to CD...Luckily for Stem, his big horses at RB have great matchups (Alexander vs. TEN and Jordan vs. CLE)...There's talk that LaMont Jordan's recent criticism of the Raiders will hurt his production, but I wouldn't bet on that; he'll be solid as usual this week...Stem's QB spot has been talked about a ton this season, and while David Garrard has been playing well and plays the 49ers, Jake Delhomme vs. the Saints is a call he can make without looking back...Look out for the receivers, as Plaxico Burress is probably due for a big week, and Larry Fitzgergald plays Houston...The matchups definitely favor CD in this one, but their season-long lack of depth may finally haunt them...X-Factor: Roy Williams. The keeper receiver has been up and down (mostly down) this year, but when he's up, he's huge.
News and Notes, OCT
Similar to CD, the RB situation is murky this week...Both teams have their elite back (Alexander, Cadillac) followed by a couple questions...Mike Anderson was a non-factor last week, which is a huge cause for concern, while the Jacksonville backfield is unsettled...Greg Jones is in the starting lineup at the time of print- and all talk is that he'll still get a bulk of the carries against San Francisco...Shares the same fear as BB does about his Colts, and about them resting down the stretch. That fear is multiplied now that Reggie Wayne is complaining of back spasms; will the Colts play such a big part of their team in meaningless games when he's complaining of an injury that never seems to go away?...Terry Glenn in the Flex spot is a decided advantage for OCT, who with another great game would cement his status as the best late season pickup ever...It's Trent Green's team from here on out it seems, especially after his late touchdown to Eddie Kennison last week that lead to this:
BrewFan101: GREENENENEENAGNdsuidadfa
BrewFan101: sdfghda;gh;ghier[gihareg
BrewFan101: a[fjd'ighsefpghsef[go'iergtdSRJMNhet;y' T HYjmghuy jmg%Y6th
BrewFan101: tjigo[sigfbhf
BrewFan101: sex
BrewFan101: rahgfigaeth
BrewFan101: urine everywhere
BrewFan101: chuck norris isnt lactose intolerant. Chuck Norris just doesn't take any of lactose's shit
BrewFan101: boobs!!
BrewFan101: naked girl avalanche
BrewFan101: vuf-sa, vuf-sa, vuf-sa, vuf-sa
BrewFan101: going to chuch is obviously the answer
....Jimmy Smith has more touchdowns than Reggie Wayne this season?...X-Factor: Tony Gonzalez. The one-time elite TE has fallen on hard times this season, but you still feel like he's got a 10 catch, 2 TD in him somewhere, don't you?
The highest scoring teams in the playoffs face off in the semi-finals; a rematch of one of last season's semi-final games...In their two regular season meetings, BB averaged an outstanding 117 points per game (league avg: 101.75)...However, he ran into the #2 and #8 single game high scores those two weeks, as SKL averaged 165 points in their two meetings...Schillinger leads the all-time matchup with the Wolfman 3-2, winning the last three
News and Notes, SKL
Has a potentially crippling injury report this week- as LaDanian Tomlinson, Tom Brady and Domanick Davis all listed as Questionable...Brady will allegedly play, but will not start for SKL, as Matt Hasselbeck does not walk with a limp and has a much better matchup...Tomlinson is the most likely of the three to play this week, and the only thing to worry about there is an in-game aggrevation of his injury...Despite including the #4 QB and #2 RB, the worst injury on that list is Domanick Davis. Davis is playing excellent football now, and sits on a matchup with the lowly Cardinals. Unlike LDT and Brady, Davis is considered a game-time decision, and his absence would be a huge hit for SKL...WRs have been a big strength for SKL all season, but Santana Moss is slowly disappearing, and Chad Johnson is becoming less and less a focal point every week...When all is said and done, there are two games that will determine who wins this game: SD vs. IND (Brees, James- BB vs. Tomlinson- SKL) and the Bengals game (Chad and Rudi Johnson vs. TJ HoushmanihateJR)...X-Factor: Santana Moss, who burned the Cowboys in their last meeting but has been slumping. Needs a big game against the team that gave up on him in week 2.
News and Notes, BB
It doesn't look like Drew will have to worry about Edgerrin James getting shut down now that the Colts have things wrapped up- he is supposed to get his normal workload in what should be a high scoring game with the Chargers...That game also looks like it could yield big numbers for Drew Brees- as it's more than likely that his team will be playing from behind. Brees is a huge key for BB, as he needs to keep LDT out of the end zone...While we're going over good news: Randy Moss and Ruben Droughns have dreamy matchups, as does TJ Houshmanihatejr...There is some bad news- BB's Falcons (Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler) have to fight the Bears Defense Sunday Night...Also, Chris Brown is listed as questionable, but it looks like he will play...SKL is likely to grab an early lead with Jeremy Shockey and Larry Johnson playing on Saturday, but BB could have the last laugh- with 3 skill players playing prime-timers, the Falcons and Donald Driver on Monday Night...X-Factor: Randy Moss. The wide receiver has been part of two controversial trades this year- but has yet to really benefit either team (Oakland and Blaine) that acquired him. With Kerry Collins throwing for the Raiders again, Moss could get some serious looks downfield against the Cleveland secondary.
#2 Cellar Dwellars vs. #3 The Octagon
Each team in this game won 7 games in a row at some point this season...The only new blood in this year's playoffs rests in this game, as first time entrant Andrew Stem tastes the postseason for the first time ever...The best two kickers in the VUFSA take the field here...There are four Williams' taking the field in this game, topping the three Johnsons (although there could be four) in the other Semi-Final...JR has beaten Stem in 3 of their 4 meetings all-time
News and Notes, CD
The first major injury of the season hits CD at the worst time, as starting runner Kevin Jones is Doubtful for this weeks tilt with the Bengals...Even though Jones hasn't had a good season, the fact that only Michael Pittman is available to fill his spot makes a downgrade inevitable...The only good thing that can come out of starting Pittman is if OCT's Cadillac breaks down and all the Buccaneers RB points shift to CD...Luckily for Stem, his big horses at RB have great matchups (Alexander vs. TEN and Jordan vs. CLE)...There's talk that LaMont Jordan's recent criticism of the Raiders will hurt his production, but I wouldn't bet on that; he'll be solid as usual this week...Stem's QB spot has been talked about a ton this season, and while David Garrard has been playing well and plays the 49ers, Jake Delhomme vs. the Saints is a call he can make without looking back...Look out for the receivers, as Plaxico Burress is probably due for a big week, and Larry Fitzgergald plays Houston...The matchups definitely favor CD in this one, but their season-long lack of depth may finally haunt them...X-Factor: Roy Williams. The keeper receiver has been up and down (mostly down) this year, but when he's up, he's huge.
News and Notes, OCT
Similar to CD, the RB situation is murky this week...Both teams have their elite back (Alexander, Cadillac) followed by a couple questions...Mike Anderson was a non-factor last week, which is a huge cause for concern, while the Jacksonville backfield is unsettled...Greg Jones is in the starting lineup at the time of print- and all talk is that he'll still get a bulk of the carries against San Francisco...Shares the same fear as BB does about his Colts, and about them resting down the stretch. That fear is multiplied now that Reggie Wayne is complaining of back spasms; will the Colts play such a big part of their team in meaningless games when he's complaining of an injury that never seems to go away?...Terry Glenn in the Flex spot is a decided advantage for OCT, who with another great game would cement his status as the best late season pickup ever...It's Trent Green's team from here on out it seems, especially after his late touchdown to Eddie Kennison last week that lead to this:
BrewFan101: GREENENENEENAGNdsuidadfa
BrewFan101: sdfghda;gh;ghier[gihareg
BrewFan101: a[fjd'ighsefpghsef[go'iergtdSRJMNhet;y' T HYjmghuy jmg%Y6th
BrewFan101: tjigo[sigfbhf
BrewFan101: sex
BrewFan101: rahgfigaeth
BrewFan101: urine everywhere
BrewFan101: chuck norris isnt lactose intolerant. Chuck Norris just doesn't take any of lactose's shit
BrewFan101: boobs!!
BrewFan101: naked girl avalanche
BrewFan101: vuf-sa, vuf-sa, vuf-sa, vuf-sa
BrewFan101: going to chuch is obviously the answer
....Jimmy Smith has more touchdowns than Reggie Wayne this season?...X-Factor: Tony Gonzalez. The one-time elite TE has fallen on hard times this season, but you still feel like he's got a 10 catch, 2 TD in him somewhere, don't you?
Thursday, December 15, 2005
From Heroes to Zeroes
The top ten worst efforts of the 2005 football season:
1. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 5, 42.00. It was a breathtaking performance in bad. Michael Vick, Michael Clayton, Brandon Lloyd and Marcus Pollard all threw up (throwing up the operative phrase) zeroes, and despite a career day from Joe Jurevicius (16.50), nobody else got above FIVE POINTS. It allowed Fred Lane’s Wife with a 69.25 to win…in a landslide.
2. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 9, 47.50. The biggest bust performance the VUFSA had seen in five weeks, WIRM was plagued by a 0.00 from the flex spot out of Michael Cloud, another 0-fer from TJ Duckett and a 0.50 from Braylon Edwards.
3. ChamPeons in WEEK 13, 56.00. Three zeroes came from Eric Moulds, Mewelde Moore and Mike Alstott, and a 0.50 from Erron Kinney made for Champ’s worst week in the 2005 season. Steve McNair’s 6.50 was a nice supple offering by contrast.
4. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 1, 57.75. It wasn’t a good start for the expansion franchise, with a terrible week from soon-to-be-dropped Brett Favre (1.75) highlighting a rocky start. Only tight end Marcus Pollard went into double digits.
5. Father Abraham in WEEK 13, 59.00. Stephen Davis had a rough year for owner Lincoln Souzek, with a 0.00 in this week to match teammates Joe Jurevicius and Mike Sellers. Stretching themselves beyond such marks, Amani Toomer and Jamal Lewis each provided 0.50s.
6. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 6, 61.50. Yes, I admit, this category is pretty much the WIRM Invitational. Just one player in double digits in the form of Mike Anderson (11.00), and fellow running back TJ Duckett was held to a 0.00. Tomke’s three receivers combined for eight points.
7. Fred Lane’s Wife in WEEK 2, 62.25. One week after sporting a dominating 150-plus point effort, Andy Viano’s team went entirely down the tubes in week 2, thanks in part to the 2.25 posted by Peyton Manning. Six non-defenders registered four points or less.
8. ChamPeons in WEEK 5, 62.25. It begins with the craptacular Aaron Brooks and his 1.25 points, and a nice 0.50 from Mike Williams certainly didn’t help matters.
9. ChamPeons in WEEK 4, 66.25. Only Clinton Portis with a weak 10.50 reached double digits, and while only Keyshawn Johnson (0.50) proved to be really bad, it was just a case of nobody having a good week.
10. Cellar Dwellars in WEEK 8, 66.75. In one of the stranger quarterback decisions, Andrew Stem’s choice to start Mark Brunell (0.75) proves to be a major backfire, and JJ Arrington (0.50) and Larry Fitzgerald (3.00) had subpar weeks.
1. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 5, 42.00. It was a breathtaking performance in bad. Michael Vick, Michael Clayton, Brandon Lloyd and Marcus Pollard all threw up (throwing up the operative phrase) zeroes, and despite a career day from Joe Jurevicius (16.50), nobody else got above FIVE POINTS. It allowed Fred Lane’s Wife with a 69.25 to win…in a landslide.
2. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 9, 47.50. The biggest bust performance the VUFSA had seen in five weeks, WIRM was plagued by a 0.00 from the flex spot out of Michael Cloud, another 0-fer from TJ Duckett and a 0.50 from Braylon Edwards.
3. ChamPeons in WEEK 13, 56.00. Three zeroes came from Eric Moulds, Mewelde Moore and Mike Alstott, and a 0.50 from Erron Kinney made for Champ’s worst week in the 2005 season. Steve McNair’s 6.50 was a nice supple offering by contrast.
4. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 1, 57.75. It wasn’t a good start for the expansion franchise, with a terrible week from soon-to-be-dropped Brett Favre (1.75) highlighting a rocky start. Only tight end Marcus Pollard went into double digits.
5. Father Abraham in WEEK 13, 59.00. Stephen Davis had a rough year for owner Lincoln Souzek, with a 0.00 in this week to match teammates Joe Jurevicius and Mike Sellers. Stretching themselves beyond such marks, Amani Toomer and Jamal Lewis each provided 0.50s.
6. Who Is Ron Mexico in WEEK 6, 61.50. Yes, I admit, this category is pretty much the WIRM Invitational. Just one player in double digits in the form of Mike Anderson (11.00), and fellow running back TJ Duckett was held to a 0.00. Tomke’s three receivers combined for eight points.
7. Fred Lane’s Wife in WEEK 2, 62.25. One week after sporting a dominating 150-plus point effort, Andy Viano’s team went entirely down the tubes in week 2, thanks in part to the 2.25 posted by Peyton Manning. Six non-defenders registered four points or less.
8. ChamPeons in WEEK 5, 62.25. It begins with the craptacular Aaron Brooks and his 1.25 points, and a nice 0.50 from Mike Williams certainly didn’t help matters.
9. ChamPeons in WEEK 4, 66.25. Only Clinton Portis with a weak 10.50 reached double digits, and while only Keyshawn Johnson (0.50) proved to be really bad, it was just a case of nobody having a good week.
10. Cellar Dwellars in WEEK 8, 66.75. In one of the stranger quarterback decisions, Andrew Stem’s choice to start Mark Brunell (0.75) proves to be a major backfire, and JJ Arrington (0.50) and Larry Fitzgerald (3.00) had subpar weeks.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Top Ten Single Week Studs (by position)
Running backs
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 44.25 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, 40.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz
3. Shaun Alexander, 38.50 in WEEK 6 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Shaun Alexander, 38.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dwellars
5. LaDainian Tomlinson, 37.50 in WEEK 9 for Madd Skillz
6. Larry Johnson, 35.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
7a. Shaun Alexander, 34.50 in WEEK 10 for Cellar Dwellars
7b. Larry Johnson, 34.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, 34.25 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
10. LaMont Jordan, 34.00 in WEEK 7 for Cellar Dwellars
As echoed by Drew Wolf, this gives pretty good insight into the value of Stem and Ed's running backs, especially LDT, and also any running back whose first name begins with "La." Ed beats Stem in this category, 6-4, but the rest of us can't even compete. Rest assured, most of the close calls belonged to those two owners as well.
Quarterbacks
1. Donovan McNabb, 38.75 in WEEK 2 for Father Abraham
2. Drew Brees, 37.00 in WEEK 11 for Blaine Browns
3. Peyton Manning, 34.00 in WEEK 4 for Fred Lane’s Wife
4. Daunte Culpepper, 33.25 in WEEK 3 for Sex Panther
5. Donovan McNabb, 32.25 in WEEK 4 for Father Abraham
6. Matt Hasselbeck, 30.25 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
7. Peyton Manning, 30.00 in WEEK 9 for Fred Lane’s Wife
8a. Drew Bledsoe, 29.50 in WEEK 14 for ChamPeons
8b. Peyton Manning, 29.50 in WEEK 10 for Fred Lane’s Wife
8c. Carson Palmer, 29.50 in WEEK 12 for Big Fat Guys
All that worry about Peyton Manning's fantasy value seemed to dissolve as the year went on, and the Colts QB still posted three of the best single weeks for a quarterback out there.
Receivers
1. Steve Smith, 28.50 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. Plaxico Burress, 27.00 in WEEK 4 for Cellar Dwellars
3. Roy Williams, 26.50 in WEEK 10 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Lee Evans, 25.50 in WEEK 13 for The Octagon
5. Santana Moss, 25.00 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
6. Marvin Harrison, 22.50 in WEEK 9 for The Octagon
7. Chris Chambers, 22.00 in WEEK 14 for Big Fat Guys
8a. Jimmy Smith, 21.50 in WEEK 1 for Fred Lane’s Wife
8b. Steve Smith, 21.50 in WEEK 8 for Madd Skillz
8c. Marvin Harrison, 21.50 in WEEK 4 for The Octagon
8d. Terrell Owens, 21.50 in WEEK 2 for Blaine Browns
Probably not a list most people would have envisioned at the start of the year, with Terrell Owens on once in the last spot possible and Chad Johnson missing entirely -- still, both remain outstanding keeper options.
Tight Ends
1. Antonio Gates, 30.00 in WEEK 8 for Sex Panther
2. Alge Crumpler, 21.00 in WEEK 12 for Blaine Browns
3. Todd Heap, 19.50 in WEEK 12 for Fred Lane’s Wife
4a. Antonio Gates, 19.00 in WEEK 14 for Sex Panther
4b. Jeremy Shockey, 19.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz
6. Dallas Clark, 15.00 in WEEK 11 for Big Fat Guys
7a. Jason Witten, 14.50 in WEEK 12 for Father Abraham
7b. Jeremy Shockey, 14.50 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
9a. Antonio Gates, 13.50 in WEEK 7 for Sex Panther
9b. Tony Gonzalez, 13.50 in WEEK 8 for The Octagon
9c. Heath Miller, 13.50 in WEEK 8 for ChamPeons
9d. Jason Witten, 13.50 in WEEK 14 for Father Abraham
There is quite simply no greater fantasy option in football at tight end beyond Antonio Gates, now that Tony Gonzalez has had a disappointing season and fallen well behind. Jeremy Shockey and Jason Witten had very nice seasons as well at the position.
Kickers
1a. Neal Rackers, 19.00 in WEEK 4 for Cellar Dwellars
1b. Jay Feely, 19.00 in WEEK 8 for The Octagon
3a. Jay Feely, 14.50 in WEEK 14 for The Octagon
3b. Mike Nugent, 14.50 in WEEK 14 for Who Is Ron Mexico
5a. Neal Rackers, 14.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dewallars
5b. Lawrence Tynes, 14.00 in WEEK 7 for Blaine Browns
5c. Lawrence Tynes, 14.00 in WEEK 12 for Blaine Browns
5d. Mike Vanderjagt, 14.00 in WEEK 12 for Sex Panther
5e. Neal Rackers, 14.00 in WEEK 9 for Cellar Dwellars
5f. Mike Vanderjagt, 14.00 in WEEK 14 for Sex Panther
Kicking is supposed to be a fluky thing in fantasy football, bearing minimal impact on a team's chances. Still, the league's top five teams have nine of the best 10 individual kicking efforts (and Madd Skillz isn't one of them -- he's been beaten at something!)
Defenders
1. Jason Taylor, 20.00 in WEEK 12 for Fred Lane’s Wife
2. Mike Peterson, 17.00 in WEEK 10 for ChamPeons
3. Jason Taylor, 16.50 in WEEK 1 for The Octagon
4a. Dwight Freeney, 14.50 in WEEK 3 for Blaine Browns
4b. Troy Polamalu, 14.50 in WEEK 9 for The Octagon
6. London Fletcher, 13.00 in WEEK 13 for Fred Lane’s Wife
7a. Robert Mathis, 12.50 in WEEK 5 for Sex Panther
7b. Osi Umenyiora, 12.50 in WEEK 12 for Blaine Browns
7c. Demorrio Williams, 12.50 in WEEK 10 for Cellar Dwellars
7d. Nick Barnett, 12.50 in WEEK 10 for The Octagon
A defnder getting two of the top three days in the league? Pretty rare, considering that almost always means scoring a touchdown.
Top 10 showings:
Madd Skillz 12, Cellar Dwellars 10, The Octagon 9, Blaine Browns 7, Sex Panther 7, Fred Lane's Wife 7, Father Abraham 4, ChamPeons 3, Big Fat Guys 3, Who Is Ron Mexico 1 (yay Mike Nugent!).
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Top Ten Weekly Fantasy Studs
Pretty simple one this time, with more to come?
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 44.25 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, 40.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz
3. Shaun Alexander, 38.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Donovan McNabb, 38.75 in WEEK 2 for Father Abraham
5. Shaun Alexander, 38.50 in WEEK 6 for Cellar Dwellars
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, 37.50 in WEEK 9 for Madd Skillz
7. Drew Brees, 37.00 in WEEK 11 for Blaine Browns
8. Larry Johnson, 35.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, 34.25 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
10. Peyton Manning, 34.00 in WEEK 4 for Fred Lane’s Wife
10. LaMont Jordan, 34.00 in WEEK 7 for Cellar Dwellars
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 44.25 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, 40.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz
3. Shaun Alexander, 38.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Donovan McNabb, 38.75 in WEEK 2 for Father Abraham
5. Shaun Alexander, 38.50 in WEEK 6 for Cellar Dwellars
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, 37.50 in WEEK 9 for Madd Skillz
7. Drew Brees, 37.00 in WEEK 11 for Blaine Browns
8. Larry Johnson, 35.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, 34.25 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
10. Peyton Manning, 34.00 in WEEK 4 for Fred Lane’s Wife
10. LaMont Jordan, 34.00 in WEEK 7 for Cellar Dwellars
VUFSA Record Book (Football)
If anyone else has any ideas for a category, let me know
High Score (Single Game)
1. 172.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 9, 2004
2. 171.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2005
3. 165.00 Ed Schillinger – Week 9, 2005
4. 164.00 Drew Wolf- Week 11, 2005
5. 163.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 3, 2005
6. 161.75 Drew Wolf- Week 10, 2004
7. 160.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2004
8. 159.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 3, 2005
9. 159.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
10. 157.00 Andy Viano- Week 3, 2004
High Score (Season)
1. 1850.25 Ed Schillinger- 2005
2. 1752.75 Eli Gieryna- 2004
3. 1648.25 Andy Viano- 2004
4. 1630.50 Drew Wolf- 2004
5. 1625.25 Ed Schillinger- 2004
6. 1623.75 Eli Gieryna- 2005
7. 1598.75 Drew Wolf- 2005
8. 1564.25 Andrew Stem- 2005
9. 1545.75 Brent Whitlock- 2004
10. 1501.75 JR Radcliffe- 2004
Most Points in a Loss
1. 141.75 Eli Giernya- Week 10, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
1. 141.75 Brent Whitlock- Week 9, 2004 (vs. Eli Gieryna)
3. 132.00 Eli Gieryna- Week 11, 2004 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
4. 130.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 13, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
5. 125.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 14, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
6. 125.25 Andy Viano- Week 12, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
7. 124.00 Andrew Stem- Week 11, 2005 (vs. Drew Wolf)
8. 122.50 Eli Gieryna- Week 8, 2004 (vs. Andy Viano)
9. 121.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 13, 2004 (vs. Andrew Stem)
10. 119.50 Drew Wolf- Week 12, 2005 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
Largest Margin of Victory
1. 117.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 9, 2005
2. 88.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 5, 2005
3. 75.50 Andrew Stem- Week 4, 2005
4. 73.25 Brent Whitlock- Week 1, 2005
5. 72.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
6. 69.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 6, 2005
7. 67.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 12, 2004
8. 65.25 Andy Viano- Week 13, 2005
9. 64.25 Eli Gieryna- Week 7, 2005
10. 64.00 Drew Wolf- Week 6, 2005
10. 64.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 11, 2005
Consecutive Wins
1. 8 Andy Viano- Weeks 2-9, 2004
2. 7 Andrew Stem- Weeks 1-7, 2005
2. 7 JR Radcliffe- Weeks 8-14, 2005
4. 6 Ed Schillinger- Weeks 1-6, 2005
5. 5 Drew Wolf- Weeks 10-14, 2004
Consecutive Losses
1. 8 Andrew Stem- Weeks 2-9, 2004
2. 7 Dave Tomke- Weeks 3-9, 2005
2. 7 Lincoln Souzek- Weeks 5-11, 2005
4. 6 Lincoln Souzek- Weeks 9-14, 2004
5. 5 JR Radcliffe- Weeks 3-7, 2005
Games over 100 Points
1. Ed Schillinger- 23
2. Eli Gieryna- 22
3. Andy Viano- 20
3. Drew Wolf- 20
5. JR Radcliffe- 18
6. Brent Whitlock- 16
7. Andrew Stem- 15
8. Lincoln Souzek- 7
9. Baron Brendel- 1
9. Dave Tomke- 1
High Score (Single Game)
1. 172.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 9, 2004
2. 171.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2005
3. 165.00 Ed Schillinger – Week 9, 2005
4. 164.00 Drew Wolf- Week 11, 2005
5. 163.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 3, 2005
6. 161.75 Drew Wolf- Week 10, 2004
7. 160.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2004
8. 159.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 3, 2005
9. 159.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
10. 157.00 Andy Viano- Week 3, 2004
High Score (Season)
1. 1850.25 Ed Schillinger- 2005
2. 1752.75 Eli Gieryna- 2004
3. 1648.25 Andy Viano- 2004
4. 1630.50 Drew Wolf- 2004
5. 1625.25 Ed Schillinger- 2004
6. 1623.75 Eli Gieryna- 2005
7. 1598.75 Drew Wolf- 2005
8. 1564.25 Andrew Stem- 2005
9. 1545.75 Brent Whitlock- 2004
10. 1501.75 JR Radcliffe- 2004
Most Points in a Loss
1. 141.75 Eli Giernya- Week 10, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
1. 141.75 Brent Whitlock- Week 9, 2004 (vs. Eli Gieryna)
3. 132.00 Eli Gieryna- Week 11, 2004 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
4. 130.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 13, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
5. 125.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 14, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
6. 125.25 Andy Viano- Week 12, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
7. 124.00 Andrew Stem- Week 11, 2005 (vs. Drew Wolf)
8. 122.50 Eli Gieryna- Week 8, 2004 (vs. Andy Viano)
9. 121.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 13, 2004 (vs. Andrew Stem)
10. 119.50 Drew Wolf- Week 12, 2005 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
Largest Margin of Victory
1. 117.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 9, 2005
2. 88.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 5, 2005
3. 75.50 Andrew Stem- Week 4, 2005
4. 73.25 Brent Whitlock- Week 1, 2005
5. 72.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
6. 69.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 6, 2005
7. 67.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 12, 2004
8. 65.25 Andy Viano- Week 13, 2005
9. 64.25 Eli Gieryna- Week 7, 2005
10. 64.00 Drew Wolf- Week 6, 2005
10. 64.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 11, 2005
Consecutive Wins
1. 8 Andy Viano- Weeks 2-9, 2004
2. 7 Andrew Stem- Weeks 1-7, 2005
2. 7 JR Radcliffe- Weeks 8-14, 2005
4. 6 Ed Schillinger- Weeks 1-6, 2005
5. 5 Drew Wolf- Weeks 10-14, 2004
Consecutive Losses
1. 8 Andrew Stem- Weeks 2-9, 2004
2. 7 Dave Tomke- Weeks 3-9, 2005
2. 7 Lincoln Souzek- Weeks 5-11, 2005
4. 6 Lincoln Souzek- Weeks 9-14, 2004
5. 5 JR Radcliffe- Weeks 3-7, 2005
Games over 100 Points
1. Ed Schillinger- 23
2. Eli Gieryna- 22
3. Andy Viano- 20
3. Drew Wolf- 20
5. JR Radcliffe- 18
6. Brent Whitlock- 16
7. Andrew Stem- 15
8. Lincoln Souzek- 7
9. Baron Brendel- 1
9. Dave Tomke- 1
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Open Thread, Judgment Day
Last week, I went to church for the first time in a long time, and I came back to witness Lee Evans' third touchdown of the day get recorded on the StatTracker. This week, I'm going to church again, hoping to offset some Drew Bennett karma.
Please don't let The Octagon be appropriately saddled with just eight wins.
Please don't let The Octagon be appropriately saddled with just eight wins.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Week 14 Preview
Game of the Year
Sex Panther vs. The Octagon (+27)
I don't think it's worth me writing about all the history involved here, so just go here if you are interested...Eli leads JR all-time, 2-1
News and Notes, SP
The QB position a big time question mark: as well as Kurt Warner has played, David Carr is probably a better option vs. the Titans...That's a decision that The Gun will agonize over for a while this week...The RBs are still probably the most talented in the league, but the recent disappointing play of Willis McGahee and the inconsistency of Steven Jackson is horrifying for SP...Karma will surely factor in this match, as Drew Bennett sides with SP this year...Key Injuries: None
News and Notes, OCT
If QB is the big question for SP, the RB has to keep OCT up at night...Stares across the virtual field and sees former boy-toy Tiki Barber producing at a high level, while has concerns about Cadillac Williams in the back of his head...That trade, however, is not the reason for concern; as new #1 back Brian Westbrook is out for the year...Made up for the loss by dealing for Fred Taylor and Greg Jones, whose individual numbers aren't wowing, but together as one Jacksonville running back, they would rank 13th in the league amongst RBs...Also acquired Terry Glenn this week to man the flex spot...Key Injuries: Antonio Pierce, Questionable
Playoff Impact: As big as any game can impact the race. The winner is guaranteed a spot in. The loser has to sweat out the results of the BB-BFG contest. If SP wins, then OCT will get in only if BB loses. If OCT wins, then SP will need to maintain a three point tiebreaker edge if BB loses.
The 2 Spot
Big Fat Guys vs. Blaine Browns (-29)
The Browns fight for a guarantee of a playoff spot, while BFG is in it for a spot in the phantom consolation bracket...Drew is 1-0 lifetime against Brendel
News and Notes, BFG
With this year wrapping up, BFG has made a move to solidify next season; moving a 2006 first rounder for the recently injured Brian Westbrook...Move potentially gives BFG 4 keeper running backs, two of which are going to be top10 heading into next season...A 1st rounder is a steep price, but it assured BFG of a stud back who they probably would have used that first rounder on anyways, and kept him out of the hands of any one else...The trade also made it official that everyone who criticized the Westbrook-Palmer deal (me, mostly) is an idiot- as Palmer is the better option, and Westbrook is back on BFG's team...Key Injuries: Julius Peppers, Questionable
News and Notes, BB
Speaking of overreacting to trades; where is the Randy Moss that BB was promised?...After all the talk, just one offensive player (Moss) is in the starting lineup for BB heading into their most important game of the year...Made enough right calls last week to eek out a win, and hopes to have the same success in starting TJ HoushmanihateJR, Alge Crumpler and Ruben Droughns...Drew has put out his best starting lineup, and there's not much else to add; all they need to do is win...Key Injuries: Ruben Droughns, Questionable; Chris Brown, Questionable
Playoff Impact: Big. BB win= playoff berth. Loss= who the hell knows.
Game #3
Madd Skillz vs. ChamPeons (+50)
The next three games will not have interesting things in the italics sections...Schillinger is 2-1 vs. Champ the last two seasons
News and Notes, SKL
Playing for the #1 seed and a share of the Regular Season title, and if Leslie Crane were coaching this team, that would be enough to consider it a success...Sacraficed the luxury of having a starting runner available on the bench for the playoffs for a draft pick next year, moving Fred Taylor and Greg Jones to OCT, and turning Brian Westbrook into a top3 draft pick...The health of LaDanian Tomlinson is terrifying this late in the season...Key Injuries: LDT, Questionable
News and Notes, CHM
I detailed in the Power Rankings that I think Champ's team is all set for next year with one of the best returning cores in the league...However, every single one of those solid players is a gamble...Its' a gamble that Daunte Culpepper returns to form next season, after Minnesota played far better without him...It's a gamble that Terrell Owens finds a situation as ideal as Philadelphia and can get his touches...It's a gamble that Andre Johnson isn't a bust...It's a gamble that Julius Jones can earn the trust of the coaching staff and stay healthy next season...And it's a gamble that Cedric Benson will rise up and claim the Bears' starting RB job next summer...All said, Champ's done a nice job of acquiring peices for a contender next season...Key Injuries: Steve McNair, Questionable
Playoff Impact: SKL is the #1 seed with a win or a CD loss. #2 seed with a loss and a CD win.
Batting Cleanup
Father Abraham vs. Cellar Dwellars (-21)
Stem owns a 2-1 edge over Lincoln in their three battles, as Stem won the week 5 matchup that saw the two teams come in with a combined one loss
News and Notes, FA
When Deshaun Foster was shredding the Falcon defense last week, it may have signified the end of the Stephen Davis era, which leaves FA just Anquan Boldin performing at a high level...It's depressing to see such high hopes get dashed, but it's worse to look at the keeper prospects here...Donovan McNabb and Boldin are sure things for next year, but after that it gets thin...Close attention will be paid to Priest Holmes' status for next season, as a spinal cord injury is not something guys just shake off...And it also appears that bruising backs Jamal Lewis and Stephen Davis are towards the downside of their careers...Former big-time wideouts Joe Horn and Muhsin Muhammed have underacheived tremendously, which makes us wonder if FA has anything up their sleeve to build for next year...Key Injuries: None oustide the big ones
News and Notes, CD
A win gives this franchise an 8 win increase from last year...Kevin Jones is apparently over his minor injury, but Artrose Pinner is on CD's bench should it come back (edit: not anymore)...With just three days left to deal, will CD do anything to add depth to the club, or add a flex running back? Sure, there's not a lot out there, but going into the dance with the roster as is is dangerous...Looking ahead, briefly, the matchups for CD's first round game favor them big time...Key Injuries: Byron Leftwich, Out; Neil Rackers, Doubtful
Playoff Impact: CD is the #1 seed with a win and and SKL loss. #2 seed with a loss or SKL win.
The 5 Hole, soon to be named "Game of the Weak"
Fred Lane's Wife vs. Who is Ron Mexico? (+26)
This is the only game that has absolutely no bearing on the playoffs...These two teams made the same deal twice this week...Viano has won the only meeting of these two franchises
News and Notes, FLW
Viano will look to put a very frustrating year behind him, trying to pick up win #7, which would be a three win dropoff from last year...Outside of the major, major injuries- a lot of things went well for FLW; acquired Hines Ward for Antowain Smith and Jimmy Smith; Picked up Willie Parker, arguably the best waiver pickup of the season; Tatum Bell came up big in certain spots; Joey Galloway was freaking awesome; and the demise of Peyton Manning turned out to be nothing at all...Key Injuries: As always, Corey Dillon- Questionable
News and Notes, WIRM
WIRM will remember their first season in the VUFSA for beating SP in week 2, and beating Baron in week 13...Their first season will be remembered by everyone as the most blistering wheeling and dealing we've ever seen; 76 waiver moves, and 11 trades...Michael Vick plays this week, and the lack of a defined #1 QB leads us to wonder whether or not WIRM will keep two QBs...A lot of people may rail against it, but why would you release one of your top two players?...DeShaun Foster is the only player on this roster that was in the starting lineup week1- but even he had to be reacquired on the 17th of November...Speaking of, that Gore for Foster trade is looking awfully good for WIRM right now, as DeShaun starts his campaign to be an RB1...Key Injuries: Braylon Edwards- IR
Sex Panther vs. The Octagon (+27)
I don't think it's worth me writing about all the history involved here, so just go here if you are interested...Eli leads JR all-time, 2-1
News and Notes, SP
The QB position a big time question mark: as well as Kurt Warner has played, David Carr is probably a better option vs. the Titans...That's a decision that The Gun will agonize over for a while this week...The RBs are still probably the most talented in the league, but the recent disappointing play of Willis McGahee and the inconsistency of Steven Jackson is horrifying for SP...Karma will surely factor in this match, as Drew Bennett sides with SP this year...Key Injuries: None
News and Notes, OCT
If QB is the big question for SP, the RB has to keep OCT up at night...Stares across the virtual field and sees former boy-toy Tiki Barber producing at a high level, while has concerns about Cadillac Williams in the back of his head...That trade, however, is not the reason for concern; as new #1 back Brian Westbrook is out for the year...Made up for the loss by dealing for Fred Taylor and Greg Jones, whose individual numbers aren't wowing, but together as one Jacksonville running back, they would rank 13th in the league amongst RBs...Also acquired Terry Glenn this week to man the flex spot...Key Injuries: Antonio Pierce, Questionable
Playoff Impact: As big as any game can impact the race. The winner is guaranteed a spot in. The loser has to sweat out the results of the BB-BFG contest. If SP wins, then OCT will get in only if BB loses. If OCT wins, then SP will need to maintain a three point tiebreaker edge if BB loses.
The 2 Spot
Big Fat Guys vs. Blaine Browns (-29)
The Browns fight for a guarantee of a playoff spot, while BFG is in it for a spot in the phantom consolation bracket...Drew is 1-0 lifetime against Brendel
News and Notes, BFG
With this year wrapping up, BFG has made a move to solidify next season; moving a 2006 first rounder for the recently injured Brian Westbrook...Move potentially gives BFG 4 keeper running backs, two of which are going to be top10 heading into next season...A 1st rounder is a steep price, but it assured BFG of a stud back who they probably would have used that first rounder on anyways, and kept him out of the hands of any one else...The trade also made it official that everyone who criticized the Westbrook-Palmer deal (me, mostly) is an idiot- as Palmer is the better option, and Westbrook is back on BFG's team...Key Injuries: Julius Peppers, Questionable
News and Notes, BB
Speaking of overreacting to trades; where is the Randy Moss that BB was promised?...After all the talk, just one offensive player (Moss) is in the starting lineup for BB heading into their most important game of the year...Made enough right calls last week to eek out a win, and hopes to have the same success in starting TJ HoushmanihateJR, Alge Crumpler and Ruben Droughns...Drew has put out his best starting lineup, and there's not much else to add; all they need to do is win...Key Injuries: Ruben Droughns, Questionable; Chris Brown, Questionable
Playoff Impact: Big. BB win= playoff berth. Loss= who the hell knows.
Game #3
Madd Skillz vs. ChamPeons (+50)
The next three games will not have interesting things in the italics sections...Schillinger is 2-1 vs. Champ the last two seasons
News and Notes, SKL
Playing for the #1 seed and a share of the Regular Season title, and if Leslie Crane were coaching this team, that would be enough to consider it a success...Sacraficed the luxury of having a starting runner available on the bench for the playoffs for a draft pick next year, moving Fred Taylor and Greg Jones to OCT, and turning Brian Westbrook into a top3 draft pick...The health of LaDanian Tomlinson is terrifying this late in the season...Key Injuries: LDT, Questionable
News and Notes, CHM
I detailed in the Power Rankings that I think Champ's team is all set for next year with one of the best returning cores in the league...However, every single one of those solid players is a gamble...Its' a gamble that Daunte Culpepper returns to form next season, after Minnesota played far better without him...It's a gamble that Terrell Owens finds a situation as ideal as Philadelphia and can get his touches...It's a gamble that Andre Johnson isn't a bust...It's a gamble that Julius Jones can earn the trust of the coaching staff and stay healthy next season...And it's a gamble that Cedric Benson will rise up and claim the Bears' starting RB job next summer...All said, Champ's done a nice job of acquiring peices for a contender next season...Key Injuries: Steve McNair, Questionable
Playoff Impact: SKL is the #1 seed with a win or a CD loss. #2 seed with a loss and a CD win.
Batting Cleanup
Father Abraham vs. Cellar Dwellars (-21)
Stem owns a 2-1 edge over Lincoln in their three battles, as Stem won the week 5 matchup that saw the two teams come in with a combined one loss
News and Notes, FA
When Deshaun Foster was shredding the Falcon defense last week, it may have signified the end of the Stephen Davis era, which leaves FA just Anquan Boldin performing at a high level...It's depressing to see such high hopes get dashed, but it's worse to look at the keeper prospects here...Donovan McNabb and Boldin are sure things for next year, but after that it gets thin...Close attention will be paid to Priest Holmes' status for next season, as a spinal cord injury is not something guys just shake off...And it also appears that bruising backs Jamal Lewis and Stephen Davis are towards the downside of their careers...Former big-time wideouts Joe Horn and Muhsin Muhammed have underacheived tremendously, which makes us wonder if FA has anything up their sleeve to build for next year...Key Injuries: None oustide the big ones
News and Notes, CD
A win gives this franchise an 8 win increase from last year...Kevin Jones is apparently over his minor injury, but Artrose Pinner is on CD's bench should it come back (edit: not anymore)...With just three days left to deal, will CD do anything to add depth to the club, or add a flex running back? Sure, there's not a lot out there, but going into the dance with the roster as is is dangerous...Looking ahead, briefly, the matchups for CD's first round game favor them big time...Key Injuries: Byron Leftwich, Out; Neil Rackers, Doubtful
Playoff Impact: CD is the #1 seed with a win and and SKL loss. #2 seed with a loss or SKL win.
The 5 Hole, soon to be named "Game of the Weak"
Fred Lane's Wife vs. Who is Ron Mexico? (+26)
This is the only game that has absolutely no bearing on the playoffs...These two teams made the same deal twice this week...Viano has won the only meeting of these two franchises
News and Notes, FLW
Viano will look to put a very frustrating year behind him, trying to pick up win #7, which would be a three win dropoff from last year...Outside of the major, major injuries- a lot of things went well for FLW; acquired Hines Ward for Antowain Smith and Jimmy Smith; Picked up Willie Parker, arguably the best waiver pickup of the season; Tatum Bell came up big in certain spots; Joey Galloway was freaking awesome; and the demise of Peyton Manning turned out to be nothing at all...Key Injuries: As always, Corey Dillon- Questionable
News and Notes, WIRM
WIRM will remember their first season in the VUFSA for beating SP in week 2, and beating Baron in week 13...Their first season will be remembered by everyone as the most blistering wheeling and dealing we've ever seen; 76 waiver moves, and 11 trades...Michael Vick plays this week, and the lack of a defined #1 QB leads us to wonder whether or not WIRM will keep two QBs...A lot of people may rail against it, but why would you release one of your top two players?...DeShaun Foster is the only player on this roster that was in the starting lineup week1- but even he had to be reacquired on the 17th of November...Speaking of, that Gore for Foster trade is looking awfully good for WIRM right now, as DeShaun starts his campaign to be an RB1...Key Injuries: Braylon Edwards- IR
Keep Them if You Can
I know there's plenty to watch yet in the 2005 VUFSA football season, but with many late trades, the keeper situation for next year is already shaping up. Here's a look at the top keeper situations each owner has at their fingertips.
1. Madd Skillz. Not only is he the best team in this year's league and odds-on favorite for the championship, he has also set himself up to rule the next year as well. If Viano is the Billy Beane, Schillinger is Al Davis, throwing his immense power around while tending to blondes a third of his age and keeping his hair frizzy. I suppose the blondes would be illegal at this point. Anyway, with an extra first round draft pick coming his way and some monster keepers, Ed can already be considered the 2006 favorite. LaDainian Tomlinson is the no-brainer to end all no-brainers, with Larry Johnson sure to provide a terrfiying 1-2 RB punch. Chad Johnson is one of the premier receivers in the league, Steve Smith is up there as well and Rudi Johnson would make for the best fifth option anyone could ask for. Jeremy Shockey and Domanick Davis appear, for now, to be regrettable throwaways back into the general pool.
2. Cellar Dwellars. I criticized his lineup last year, mainly because I wasn't sold on LaMont Jordan, but Andrew Stem clearly has the second-most enviable running back situation with the Raiders ground game and Shaun Alexander at his disposal. Plaxico Burress and Larry Fitzgerald have both broken out as star wide receivers, and young enough to have a long term impact, while a guy like Jerry Porter could fill the five slot. Jake Delhomme and Roy Williams are also candidates, both keepers from last year's roster. If he keeps Kevin Jones or Neil Rackers, I will bump him down to No. 6.
3. Sex Panther. Running backs are the absolute name of the game, and Eli Gieryna has a host of them, though my guess is that he would only take three out of the four studs he has: Tiki Barber, Clinton Portis, Steven Jackson and Willis McGahee. Maybe he could keep all four, however, if he determined Torry Holt to be expendable. With Antonio Gates likely sticking around as his fifth, his options are very supple. Like a breast.
4. The Octagon. The most pressing of questions is the running back corps, with only Cadillac Williams likely to be kept for next season. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne will continue to be highly regarded wide receivers, and Wayne could end up being the main man elsewhere given that he is a free agent. Tony Gonzalez is a risky keep after a so-so year but he remains a premier threat. Marc Bulger's late-season acquisition appears to have him as the fifth man, though Mike Anderson's status could be interesting depending on what Denver commits to in the offseason. There's a very good chance he'll keep Brad Miller as well, and possibly Jorge Cantu.
5. Big Fat Guys. Last year, it was Lincoln Souzek who put himself in position to have a solid crew of keepers, and this year it was Baron Brendel, who most clearly pulled the feat when he acquired Carson Palmer for running back Brian Westbrook, who he later re-acquired at the expense of a first round pick. While that decision will hurt his ability to expand in talent next year, at least initially, he also possesses a fine first or second running back in Deuce McAllister, and will need to choose two out of a pool including Thomas Jones, Ahman Green and Chris Chambers. Chambers almost certainly has the inside track to be one of those two.
6. Fred Lane's Wife. Anyone who starts his keeper discussion with Peyton Manning earns Brownie points, and Hines Ward will make for a suitable top option at receiver. Ronnie Brown has upside and potential to be a top running back, but he remains unproven, and Corey Dillon had a rough year with injuries. Those two, along with the likes of injured wideout Javon Walker, Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker, Seattle receiver Darrell Jackson, tight end Todd Heap and suddenly-good Bucs man Joey Galloway will make for tough decisions ahead.
7. Blaine Browns. It starts off just fine, with Randy Moss and Edgerrin James sure to be rock solid performers, and Warrick Dunn is likely to be an excellent second running back. From there, owner Drew Wolf is thin (probably because he weighs like 90 pounds), with choices such as T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Reuben Droughns, Donald Driver and Chris Brown. Drew Brees is likely to be a de facto keeper, since he did nothing to hurt Drew's team even if he wasn't a can't miss fantasy option.
8. Father Abraham. Bad luck cost Lincoln Souzek mightily, as the status of 2004 late-season snag Priest Holmes is now in doubt for the 2006 season, and injury ruined most of 2005. If he can return and Donovon McNabb is himself all the way through 2006, then this keeper crop has far more potential. Anquan Boldin is one of the most exciting receivers in the game, Stephen Davis can be serviceable, and Jamal Lewis may still be worth hanging onto despite a disastrous 2005. Muhsin Muhammad and Joe Horn will also enter the equation.
9. ChamPeons. Brent Whitlock will rely almost exclusively on players to have bounceback years, with folks like Terrell Owens and Andre Johnson and Cedric Benson having injury, ineffectiveness or suspension cloud their ability to work wonders this season. Daunte Culpepper is the biggest question mark of them all, as he may not be immediately available next season, and Julius Jones is the only front line running back in his hands.
10. Who is Ron Mexico? There isn't much here to work with, without a single definite fantasy stud in the midst. Eli Manning might come close if Dave Tomke chooses to keep him over Michael Vick, and DeShaun Foster will get a big paycheck playing for someone else (or even Carolina) as the featured back net year. JJ Arrington is a major question mark until he proves he can be a starter, and folks like Ashley Lelie and Braylon Edwards fluctuate between showing their complete potential and looking lost. Heath Miller had a well-documented standout rookie season. And of course, there is surefire keeper Brandon Lloyd.
1. Madd Skillz. Not only is he the best team in this year's league and odds-on favorite for the championship, he has also set himself up to rule the next year as well. If Viano is the Billy Beane, Schillinger is Al Davis, throwing his immense power around while tending to blondes a third of his age and keeping his hair frizzy. I suppose the blondes would be illegal at this point. Anyway, with an extra first round draft pick coming his way and some monster keepers, Ed can already be considered the 2006 favorite. LaDainian Tomlinson is the no-brainer to end all no-brainers, with Larry Johnson sure to provide a terrfiying 1-2 RB punch. Chad Johnson is one of the premier receivers in the league, Steve Smith is up there as well and Rudi Johnson would make for the best fifth option anyone could ask for. Jeremy Shockey and Domanick Davis appear, for now, to be regrettable throwaways back into the general pool.
2. Cellar Dwellars. I criticized his lineup last year, mainly because I wasn't sold on LaMont Jordan, but Andrew Stem clearly has the second-most enviable running back situation with the Raiders ground game and Shaun Alexander at his disposal. Plaxico Burress and Larry Fitzgerald have both broken out as star wide receivers, and young enough to have a long term impact, while a guy like Jerry Porter could fill the five slot. Jake Delhomme and Roy Williams are also candidates, both keepers from last year's roster. If he keeps Kevin Jones or Neil Rackers, I will bump him down to No. 6.
3. Sex Panther. Running backs are the absolute name of the game, and Eli Gieryna has a host of them, though my guess is that he would only take three out of the four studs he has: Tiki Barber, Clinton Portis, Steven Jackson and Willis McGahee. Maybe he could keep all four, however, if he determined Torry Holt to be expendable. With Antonio Gates likely sticking around as his fifth, his options are very supple. Like a breast.
4. The Octagon. The most pressing of questions is the running back corps, with only Cadillac Williams likely to be kept for next season. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne will continue to be highly regarded wide receivers, and Wayne could end up being the main man elsewhere given that he is a free agent. Tony Gonzalez is a risky keep after a so-so year but he remains a premier threat. Marc Bulger's late-season acquisition appears to have him as the fifth man, though Mike Anderson's status could be interesting depending on what Denver commits to in the offseason. There's a very good chance he'll keep Brad Miller as well, and possibly Jorge Cantu.
5. Big Fat Guys. Last year, it was Lincoln Souzek who put himself in position to have a solid crew of keepers, and this year it was Baron Brendel, who most clearly pulled the feat when he acquired Carson Palmer for running back Brian Westbrook, who he later re-acquired at the expense of a first round pick. While that decision will hurt his ability to expand in talent next year, at least initially, he also possesses a fine first or second running back in Deuce McAllister, and will need to choose two out of a pool including Thomas Jones, Ahman Green and Chris Chambers. Chambers almost certainly has the inside track to be one of those two.
6. Fred Lane's Wife. Anyone who starts his keeper discussion with Peyton Manning earns Brownie points, and Hines Ward will make for a suitable top option at receiver. Ronnie Brown has upside and potential to be a top running back, but he remains unproven, and Corey Dillon had a rough year with injuries. Those two, along with the likes of injured wideout Javon Walker, Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker, Seattle receiver Darrell Jackson, tight end Todd Heap and suddenly-good Bucs man Joey Galloway will make for tough decisions ahead.
7. Blaine Browns. It starts off just fine, with Randy Moss and Edgerrin James sure to be rock solid performers, and Warrick Dunn is likely to be an excellent second running back. From there, owner Drew Wolf is thin (probably because he weighs like 90 pounds), with choices such as T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Reuben Droughns, Donald Driver and Chris Brown. Drew Brees is likely to be a de facto keeper, since he did nothing to hurt Drew's team even if he wasn't a can't miss fantasy option.
8. Father Abraham. Bad luck cost Lincoln Souzek mightily, as the status of 2004 late-season snag Priest Holmes is now in doubt for the 2006 season, and injury ruined most of 2005. If he can return and Donovon McNabb is himself all the way through 2006, then this keeper crop has far more potential. Anquan Boldin is one of the most exciting receivers in the game, Stephen Davis can be serviceable, and Jamal Lewis may still be worth hanging onto despite a disastrous 2005. Muhsin Muhammad and Joe Horn will also enter the equation.
9. ChamPeons. Brent Whitlock will rely almost exclusively on players to have bounceback years, with folks like Terrell Owens and Andre Johnson and Cedric Benson having injury, ineffectiveness or suspension cloud their ability to work wonders this season. Daunte Culpepper is the biggest question mark of them all, as he may not be immediately available next season, and Julius Jones is the only front line running back in his hands.
10. Who is Ron Mexico? There isn't much here to work with, without a single definite fantasy stud in the midst. Eli Manning might come close if Dave Tomke chooses to keep him over Michael Vick, and DeShaun Foster will get a big paycheck playing for someone else (or even Carolina) as the featured back net year. JJ Arrington is a major question mark until he proves he can be a starter, and folks like Ashley Lelie and Braylon Edwards fluctuate between showing their complete potential and looking lost. Heath Miller had a well-documented standout rookie season. And of course, there is surefire keeper Brandon Lloyd.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Power Rankings- 12/7
1. Madd Skillz (10-3) LW: 1st (-)
-First real spot of bad luck all year- 2nd high point total for the week in a loss. Still guaranteed a playoff spot.
2. Cellar Dwellars (10-3) LW: 2nd (-)
-Limping a little right now- a good showing in a stress-free Week 14 would go a long way towards settling the nerves of Stem come playoff time.
3. The Octagon (8-5) LW: 4th (+1)
-6 straight wins including the last two over the league's top two teams. An amazing run that could mean nothing with a loss next week.
4. Sex Panther (7-6) LW: 3rd (-1)
-Simply needs to beat JR the last week of the season to get into the playoffs. What could possibly go wrong?
5. Blaine Browns (7-6) LW: 5th (-)
-Despite sitting in 5th place, has the best chance of getting into the posteason amongst the three teams still in it.
6. Fred Lane's Wife (6-7) LW: 7th (+1)
-Can still make it in as long as they make up a 170 point differential in the tiebreaker.
7. Big Champeons (6-7) LW: 6th (-1)
-My thoughts on CHM this year (in order): playoff sleeper, not even a playoff contender, possible spoiler, way out of it, right back in it, done again, set up well for next year. Potential keepers: Daunte Culpepper, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson. Very good core.
8. Big Fat Guys (4-9) LW: 9th (+1)
-Long live the King! Wait, what? Who won?
9. Who is Ron Mexico? (3-10) LW: 10th (+1)
-Impressive showing this week, and most of the year for that matter. I think 7 wins from the expansion teams is admirable, and far better than we all expected.
10. Father Abraham (4-9) LW: 8th (-2)
-This roster doesn't reflect the ability of Lincoln to assemble a football team. Incredibly- his injuries have overshadowed the crippling losses to FLW.
-First real spot of bad luck all year- 2nd high point total for the week in a loss. Still guaranteed a playoff spot.
2. Cellar Dwellars (10-3) LW: 2nd (-)
-Limping a little right now- a good showing in a stress-free Week 14 would go a long way towards settling the nerves of Stem come playoff time.
3. The Octagon (8-5) LW: 4th (+1)
-6 straight wins including the last two over the league's top two teams. An amazing run that could mean nothing with a loss next week.
4. Sex Panther (7-6) LW: 3rd (-1)
-Simply needs to beat JR the last week of the season to get into the playoffs. What could possibly go wrong?
5. Blaine Browns (7-6) LW: 5th (-)
-Despite sitting in 5th place, has the best chance of getting into the posteason amongst the three teams still in it.
6. Fred Lane's Wife (6-7) LW: 7th (+1)
-Can still make it in as long as they make up a 170 point differential in the tiebreaker.
7. Big Champeons (6-7) LW: 6th (-1)
-My thoughts on CHM this year (in order): playoff sleeper, not even a playoff contender, possible spoiler, way out of it, right back in it, done again, set up well for next year. Potential keepers: Daunte Culpepper, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson. Very good core.
8. Big Fat Guys (4-9) LW: 9th (+1)
-Long live the King! Wait, what? Who won?
9. Who is Ron Mexico? (3-10) LW: 10th (+1)
-Impressive showing this week, and most of the year for that matter. I think 7 wins from the expansion teams is admirable, and far better than we all expected.
10. Father Abraham (4-9) LW: 8th (-2)
-This roster doesn't reflect the ability of Lincoln to assemble a football team. Incredibly- his injuries have overshadowed the crippling losses to FLW.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Top Ten Games Impacting the Playoff Race
10. Week 13: OCT defeats SKL
-This game would be much higher if OCT was either guaranteed or eliminated from a playoff spot with the result. Still, it was a tremendous win (in which JR needed all 12 of his touchdowns) to sustain an improbable run.
9. Week 8: CHM defeats BB
-The Browns sit on the bubble now, thanks in large part to the absence of all three of their starting running backs in this game. Granted, it was a 20 point differential- but two of BBs three RBs hit negatives, and any one of the three bye-weeked RBs could have sprung for a big game. Drew was just getting on a roll, after starting off 0-3, and this killed their momentum.
8. Week 12: OCT defeats CD
-Monday Night Marvin Harrison comes through and helps OCT eek out a 1.25 point win as they embark upon their brutal stretch run. This game looked much bigger when it actually happened; again, because OCT is still not a lock.
7. Week 11: BB defeats CD
-The at-the-time 9-1 Dwellars stood as a major road block to two playoff hopefuls, but did not stop either of them (see above) as BB put up a whopping 164.00 point en route to a big win when there were 5 teams playing for 2 spots.
6. Week 8: Bertrand Berry and Morris from Yahoo!, in conjuction with FLW defeat SP
-The only reason that this game is even on the list is because the result wasn't known until Thursday afternoon. I didn't see the play that took away the points, so I don't know whether or not to support Eli's anger about the reversal, or to shout that he never should have had the points in the first place, and Viano was the one who was being screwed.
5. Week 14: BB vs. BFG
-Drew controls his own destiny here, but may get in, even with a loss.
4. Week 12: CHM defeats FLW
-A stomach loss punch that no one saw coming, FLW was essentially eliminated from contention, losing by 1.50. With the door left slightly ajar for CHM- they responded with 56 points in a loss the following week, as FLW rolled up 124.25. WIRM is on deck this week, so in theory, FLW could have gotten in with a 2 more points in week 12, and a win over the last place team in the league.
3. Week 2: WIRM defeats SP
-In a league with as many talented owners as this one has, we all knew that the fight for four playoff spots would be a street fight- and while wins over competitors are big, wins in games you should win are absolutely necessary. Currently on the playoff bubble, SP can look back at this game and curse if they are left out.
2. Week 13: BB defeats SP
-Once it became clear that OCT was going to outlast SKL, a BB win was vital to survival; a loss would eliminate them entirely. The solid win put BB in charge of their own destiny, with only seedings to worry about if they take care of business next Sunday. SP on the other hand, missed a chance to clinch and now sweats out another regular season finale with JR.
1. Week 14: SP vs. OCT
-There absolutely has to be an open thread next week, if only to discuss this game. I have nothing vested in it except a first round opponent (and I don't care really, because all three teams are frightening) and I simply can't wait.
-This game would be much higher if OCT was either guaranteed or eliminated from a playoff spot with the result. Still, it was a tremendous win (in which JR needed all 12 of his touchdowns) to sustain an improbable run.
9. Week 8: CHM defeats BB
-The Browns sit on the bubble now, thanks in large part to the absence of all three of their starting running backs in this game. Granted, it was a 20 point differential- but two of BBs three RBs hit negatives, and any one of the three bye-weeked RBs could have sprung for a big game. Drew was just getting on a roll, after starting off 0-3, and this killed their momentum.
8. Week 12: OCT defeats CD
-Monday Night Marvin Harrison comes through and helps OCT eek out a 1.25 point win as they embark upon their brutal stretch run. This game looked much bigger when it actually happened; again, because OCT is still not a lock.
7. Week 11: BB defeats CD
-The at-the-time 9-1 Dwellars stood as a major road block to two playoff hopefuls, but did not stop either of them (see above) as BB put up a whopping 164.00 point en route to a big win when there were 5 teams playing for 2 spots.
6. Week 8: Bertrand Berry and Morris from Yahoo!, in conjuction with FLW defeat SP
-The only reason that this game is even on the list is because the result wasn't known until Thursday afternoon. I didn't see the play that took away the points, so I don't know whether or not to support Eli's anger about the reversal, or to shout that he never should have had the points in the first place, and Viano was the one who was being screwed.
5. Week 14: BB vs. BFG
-Drew controls his own destiny here, but may get in, even with a loss.
4. Week 12: CHM defeats FLW
-A stomach loss punch that no one saw coming, FLW was essentially eliminated from contention, losing by 1.50. With the door left slightly ajar for CHM- they responded with 56 points in a loss the following week, as FLW rolled up 124.25. WIRM is on deck this week, so in theory, FLW could have gotten in with a 2 more points in week 12, and a win over the last place team in the league.
3. Week 2: WIRM defeats SP
-In a league with as many talented owners as this one has, we all knew that the fight for four playoff spots would be a street fight- and while wins over competitors are big, wins in games you should win are absolutely necessary. Currently on the playoff bubble, SP can look back at this game and curse if they are left out.
2. Week 13: BB defeats SP
-Once it became clear that OCT was going to outlast SKL, a BB win was vital to survival; a loss would eliminate them entirely. The solid win put BB in charge of their own destiny, with only seedings to worry about if they take care of business next Sunday. SP on the other hand, missed a chance to clinch and now sweats out another regular season finale with JR.
1. Week 14: SP vs. OCT
-There absolutely has to be an open thread next week, if only to discuss this game. I have nothing vested in it except a first round opponent (and I don't care really, because all three teams are frightening) and I simply can't wait.
Top Ten Draft Busts and Bargains
It's pretty much safe to say at this point in the season which players could be considered "busts" or "bargains," and believe me, there are FAR more of the former than the latter. Heck, the entire first round is practically a comedy of errors, not counting LaMont Jordan (Stem), Anquan Boldin (Lincoln) and maybe Cadillac Williams (Eli). Here we have the top ten in each category:
10. Ronnie Brown (Fred Lane's Wife). It's hard to call the seventh overall choice a bust at this point, since he's a rookie and continues to have plenty of keeper value. Furthermore, he currently has the 19th most points of any running back in the league, but the first round choice would have ideally yielded more. He remains a pick for the future more than the present.
9. Chris Brown (ChamPeons). The fifth overall choice is the 18th best running back option out there, which is neither shabby nor exactly stellar for a running back everyone continues to expect breakout games from.
8. Brandon Stokley (Who is Ron Mexico?). The ninth choice of the second round did not reproduce his breakout season last year, while other opportunities continued to make Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison superstars. He is the 64th best receiver in the league, with only 34 catches and one touchdown.
7. Dallas Clark (Fred Lane's Wife). Another breakout season from a year ago was a distant memory this season for the fourth choice in the second round. The 15th best tight end in the league has just three touchdowns in 2005.
6. Drew Bennett (Blaine Browns). After becoming a VUFSA cult hero a year ago, he became a sexy preseason pick and was taken with the third choice in the second round. But he has just one touchdown this year and stands as the 30th best option in the league, with injuries swirling around his season.
5. JJ Arrington (The Octagon). Occasionally mentioned in the same breath as Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown among rookie running backs that should be taken early, Arrington was a complete flop out of the gate, and he was quickly replaced in the starting 11 by Marcel Shipp. Some late season production has him as the 46th best option out there.
4. Michael Clayton (Sex Panther). It was supposed to be a breakout year for the Buccaneers receiver, but it was instead an absolute nightmare for the fifth choice in the second round. With 27.50 points to his name, he is the 86th best receiver in our league, far below the expectations that had him slated as a potential blossoming star before the year.
3. Fred Taylor (Madd Skillz). Injuries seriously derailed the 10th overall choice, and the 32nd best running back in our league is only incrementally better than teammate Greg Jones, who has carried the bulk of the load in Taylor's absence.
2. Brett Favre (Who is Ron Mexico?). It's not that Favre's fantasy value has been altogether putrid until lately, but his standing as the second pick in the draft was already high to begin with, and then he was waived. His standing as the 13th best quarterback in the league is okay, but his 21 (!!) turnovers make him a constantly scary play. It's over for Brett.
1. Nate Burleson (Big Fat Guys). Might as well go straight to the top with this one, the first overall choice. Some said before the season that the heir apparent to Randy Moss would thrive, others felt he would buckle under the attention which Moss was talented enough to overcome. Injuries and ineffectiveness made it appear that the latter was true, as Burleson has just 16 catches, one touchdown and a ranking as the 97th best receiver in the league. Ouch.
10. Chris Chambers (Big Fat Guys). Baron snagged the Dolphins wideout with the last pick of the fourth round, and he has gone on to break the Dolphins' single-game receiving yard mark, posting numbers that could have him as keeper material for next season. He is the 12th best receiver to date.
9. Plaxico Burress (Cellar Dwellars). The third choice in the seventh round is one of the main reasons Andrew Stem has had such a promising year, as Burress and Eli Manning have found a dynamic in New York such that Burress is the 10th best receiver in the league. He will most certainly clear the 1,000 yard mark.
8. Tom Brady (Madd Skillz). While most owners picked up their quarterbacks early, Ed Schillinger found his in the sixth round with the first pick, a respectable location for a tested talent such as Brady. The most handsome gunslinger in the NFL ranks behind only Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning in fantasy value.
7. Chris Cooley (Blaine Browns). The third pick of the 12th round has quietly had an outstanding season at tight end and running back for the Redskins, and he would be the fifth-ranked tight end in the VUFSA. Such standing has him ahead of more touted pre-season selections Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten and Randy McMichael.
6. Keenan McCardell (Blaine Browns). The eighth pick of the ninth round had a strong season in San Diego, where he has 7 touchdown catches and stands as the 17th best receiver in the VUFSA. Wolf also picked up big numbers from the Drew Brees-McCardell connection.
5. TJ Houshmandzadeh (Blaine Browns). Another receiver picked up by Drew Wolf, the 15th best receiver in the game has become a keeper possibility thanks to good rapport with quarterbck Carson Palmer and despite his draft slot in the eighth pick of the seventh round. It's pretty clear that Wolf had a solid draft as far as hidden gems go.
4. Santana Moss (Blaine Browns). Too bad for Drew, his best find is one that he dropped and handed to Ed Schillinger. The eighth choice of the fifth round was a bust in the season's earlygoing, but to date he has caught six touchdowns, 1,111 yards and is the eighth best receiver in the league.
3. Joey Galloway (Big Fat Guys). Sixty-three catches, 1,075 yards and eight touchdowns? Nobody saw it coming from this Buccaneer, which is why he so easily fell to the 13th round, where Baron snatched him up with the first pick. Galloway has done most of his damage for Andy Viano's team this year, but it was a trade commodity Brendel never figured to have.
2. Carson Palmer (The Octagon). Brendel may have given up Galloway, but he picked up Palmer in a trade with the Octagon, so it all works out in the end. Solid keeper quarterbacks were pretty much considered Manning, McNabb and Culpepper before the season, but Palmer is now among them, sitting as the top ranked QB in the VUFSA despite not getting drafted until the second pick of the eighth round.
1. Larry Johnson (Madd Skillz). It may not seem like a steal to take a guy like Johnson with the 10th pick in the fifth round, but Schillinger demonstrated patience with the Chiefs' backup running back, shooting down trade offers for the seemingly dormant ground option. Then, Priest Holmes died and ascended to Fantasy Football AfterLife, and in came Johnson, now the sixth best running back in the league despite not even starting the whole year. He was truly the best fantasy bargain in this year's draft.
BUSTS
10. Ronnie Brown (Fred Lane's Wife). It's hard to call the seventh overall choice a bust at this point, since he's a rookie and continues to have plenty of keeper value. Furthermore, he currently has the 19th most points of any running back in the league, but the first round choice would have ideally yielded more. He remains a pick for the future more than the present.
9. Chris Brown (ChamPeons). The fifth overall choice is the 18th best running back option out there, which is neither shabby nor exactly stellar for a running back everyone continues to expect breakout games from.
8. Brandon Stokley (Who is Ron Mexico?). The ninth choice of the second round did not reproduce his breakout season last year, while other opportunities continued to make Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison superstars. He is the 64th best receiver in the league, with only 34 catches and one touchdown.
7. Dallas Clark (Fred Lane's Wife). Another breakout season from a year ago was a distant memory this season for the fourth choice in the second round. The 15th best tight end in the league has just three touchdowns in 2005.
6. Drew Bennett (Blaine Browns). After becoming a VUFSA cult hero a year ago, he became a sexy preseason pick and was taken with the third choice in the second round. But he has just one touchdown this year and stands as the 30th best option in the league, with injuries swirling around his season.
5. JJ Arrington (The Octagon). Occasionally mentioned in the same breath as Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown among rookie running backs that should be taken early, Arrington was a complete flop out of the gate, and he was quickly replaced in the starting 11 by Marcel Shipp. Some late season production has him as the 46th best option out there.
4. Michael Clayton (Sex Panther). It was supposed to be a breakout year for the Buccaneers receiver, but it was instead an absolute nightmare for the fifth choice in the second round. With 27.50 points to his name, he is the 86th best receiver in our league, far below the expectations that had him slated as a potential blossoming star before the year.
3. Fred Taylor (Madd Skillz). Injuries seriously derailed the 10th overall choice, and the 32nd best running back in our league is only incrementally better than teammate Greg Jones, who has carried the bulk of the load in Taylor's absence.
2. Brett Favre (Who is Ron Mexico?). It's not that Favre's fantasy value has been altogether putrid until lately, but his standing as the second pick in the draft was already high to begin with, and then he was waived. His standing as the 13th best quarterback in the league is okay, but his 21 (!!) turnovers make him a constantly scary play. It's over for Brett.
1. Nate Burleson (Big Fat Guys). Might as well go straight to the top with this one, the first overall choice. Some said before the season that the heir apparent to Randy Moss would thrive, others felt he would buckle under the attention which Moss was talented enough to overcome. Injuries and ineffectiveness made it appear that the latter was true, as Burleson has just 16 catches, one touchdown and a ranking as the 97th best receiver in the league. Ouch.
BARGAINS
10. Chris Chambers (Big Fat Guys). Baron snagged the Dolphins wideout with the last pick of the fourth round, and he has gone on to break the Dolphins' single-game receiving yard mark, posting numbers that could have him as keeper material for next season. He is the 12th best receiver to date.
9. Plaxico Burress (Cellar Dwellars). The third choice in the seventh round is one of the main reasons Andrew Stem has had such a promising year, as Burress and Eli Manning have found a dynamic in New York such that Burress is the 10th best receiver in the league. He will most certainly clear the 1,000 yard mark.
8. Tom Brady (Madd Skillz). While most owners picked up their quarterbacks early, Ed Schillinger found his in the sixth round with the first pick, a respectable location for a tested talent such as Brady. The most handsome gunslinger in the NFL ranks behind only Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning in fantasy value.
7. Chris Cooley (Blaine Browns). The third pick of the 12th round has quietly had an outstanding season at tight end and running back for the Redskins, and he would be the fifth-ranked tight end in the VUFSA. Such standing has him ahead of more touted pre-season selections Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten and Randy McMichael.
6. Keenan McCardell (Blaine Browns). The eighth pick of the ninth round had a strong season in San Diego, where he has 7 touchdown catches and stands as the 17th best receiver in the VUFSA. Wolf also picked up big numbers from the Drew Brees-McCardell connection.
5. TJ Houshmandzadeh (Blaine Browns). Another receiver picked up by Drew Wolf, the 15th best receiver in the game has become a keeper possibility thanks to good rapport with quarterbck Carson Palmer and despite his draft slot in the eighth pick of the seventh round. It's pretty clear that Wolf had a solid draft as far as hidden gems go.
4. Santana Moss (Blaine Browns). Too bad for Drew, his best find is one that he dropped and handed to Ed Schillinger. The eighth choice of the fifth round was a bust in the season's earlygoing, but to date he has caught six touchdowns, 1,111 yards and is the eighth best receiver in the league.
3. Joey Galloway (Big Fat Guys). Sixty-three catches, 1,075 yards and eight touchdowns? Nobody saw it coming from this Buccaneer, which is why he so easily fell to the 13th round, where Baron snatched him up with the first pick. Galloway has done most of his damage for Andy Viano's team this year, but it was a trade commodity Brendel never figured to have.
2. Carson Palmer (The Octagon). Brendel may have given up Galloway, but he picked up Palmer in a trade with the Octagon, so it all works out in the end. Solid keeper quarterbacks were pretty much considered Manning, McNabb and Culpepper before the season, but Palmer is now among them, sitting as the top ranked QB in the VUFSA despite not getting drafted until the second pick of the eighth round.
1. Larry Johnson (Madd Skillz). It may not seem like a steal to take a guy like Johnson with the 10th pick in the fifth round, but Schillinger demonstrated patience with the Chiefs' backup running back, shooting down trade offers for the seemingly dormant ground option. Then, Priest Holmes died and ascended to Fantasy Football AfterLife, and in came Johnson, now the sixth best running back in the league despite not even starting the whole year. He was truly the best fantasy bargain in this year's draft.
Monday, December 05, 2005
An idea
One thing that absolutely blows about the NFL is the postseason, when Fantasy Season is over. Since the Packers aren't going to be in the playoffs, there is obviously no reason for any of us to care about the postseason, and so I propose an idea.
It was stolen from someone else. I'm really just seeing what the interest would be...in a postseason fantasy league. Here's how it would work.
Among owners wishing to participate, worst team in the league drafts first in a snake format. Each team will have a QB, RB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, TE, K, and WR/RB/TE. Same scoring format as the regular league, with obviously fewer players and no defenders...and fewer choices. The strategy is obvious...choose a player from a team that has a bye but a greater chance to be around until the Super Bowl? OR choose someone who could play that extra week on a sleeper team. The depth of strategy around a player is thus more involved with the team's fortunes.
Total points at the end of the playoffs wins.
Obviously, this would have no bearing on the keeper league or regular season. All players are fair game. We would never have a draft in one place, so we could do it over email, with the first person emailing everyone there choice and so on and so forth. It could theoretically take a few days...we should have a week or so to conduct the draft.
Who thinks this reeks of stupidity? Say so.
It was stolen from someone else. I'm really just seeing what the interest would be...in a postseason fantasy league. Here's how it would work.
Among owners wishing to participate, worst team in the league drafts first in a snake format. Each team will have a QB, RB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, TE, K, and WR/RB/TE. Same scoring format as the regular league, with obviously fewer players and no defenders...and fewer choices. The strategy is obvious...choose a player from a team that has a bye but a greater chance to be around until the Super Bowl? OR choose someone who could play that extra week on a sleeper team. The depth of strategy around a player is thus more involved with the team's fortunes.
Total points at the end of the playoffs wins.
Obviously, this would have no bearing on the keeper league or regular season. All players are fair game. We would never have a draft in one place, so we could do it over email, with the first person emailing everyone there choice and so on and so forth. It could theoretically take a few days...we should have a week or so to conduct the draft.
Who thinks this reeks of stupidity? Say so.
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