Around the world of the NFL faster than a Texans' collapse, Crappafoni Pictures presents Week 5 of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, complete with hot wings and a cold draft on the side. Enjoy!
THE GOOD
Carolina Panthers: when you toss a shutout, particularly the first one of the season, you get the first listing every single time. But it wasn't just the shutout. The Panthers' defense held Larry Johnson to TWO YARDS rushing. Seven carries, two yards. Six feet. Seventy-two inches. The Chiefs were limited to 127 total yards. FOR THE GAME. Offensively, the Panthers amassed 441 total yards and enjoyed a nearly 2 to 1 advantage in time of possession. Their offensive explosion came despite both of their starting OTs out for the game. Yes, it was the Chiefs, but the Chiefs were coming off a surprising win against the Broncos last week. Could this be the 2003 season all over again?
New York Giants: they methodically administered a beatdown to the Seattle Seahawks. Now unlike the Chiefs, the Seahawks have been a recent playoff contender. The G-men had their way with the Hawks, to the tune of 523 total yards on offense. Brandon Jacobs couldn't be stopped, amassing most of his yardage in the first half, including a 44-yard run that set up the Giants' first TD. Defensively, they held the Hawks to 187 total yards. The G-men are the team to beat in the NFC, if not the entire NFL. Carolina may have something for them when they meet later in the season.
Tennessee Titans: like the Giants, they are still unbeaten. Unlike the Giants on Sunday, they won with a suffocating defense. Their game against the Ravens was a classic case of smash mouth defense. I can guarantee you both teams needed extra Advil this morning! They forced two turnovers, and limited the Ravens to 210 total yards.
Miami Dolphins: could this team be a PLAYOFF team? Judging by how they played, yes. They certainly have improved. Props to the Fins for winning back to back games against the Patriots and Chargers. To hold an explosive team like the Chargers to 10 points, and holding LT to 35 yards on 12 carries, speaks volumes about their defense. Not to mention holding the Bolts to 202 total yards. An extra good goes to their goal-line stand to start the fourth quarter. And it seemed like the Fins had the ball all afternoon, as they held the ball for just over 36 minutes. Ronnie Brown was the stud, gaining 125 yards on 24 carries. Chad Pennington did a great job in managing the game, keeping the Fins out of trouble, and throwing a block that sprung Brown for his TD run. With this win, the Fins have more wins this season already than all of last season.
Arizona Cardinals: to beat a previously undefeated Bills team definitely gets you in this category. The way they did it impressed me! There's so many props to go around, where do I start? I'll start with the defense. They forced four Bills turnovers. They limited Marshawn #### to 55 yards rushing. Kurt Warner was sharp, throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. Warner is looking like the Warner of the 1999 season. Steve Breaston has emerged as a third receiver. This team could be very dangerous in January.
Washington Redskins: once again, the Skins did not commit a turnover. They remain the only team in the league to not commit a turnover. Jason Campbell continues to impress, leading the Redskins to a HUGE road win. The Redskins gashed the league leading Eagles' rush defense to 204 yards on the ground. Clinton Portis gained 145 of those yards, including a HUGE fourth down conversion late in the game that allowed the Redskins to run out the clock. Game, set, and match.
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons.
THE BAD
Detroit Lions: they are an absolutely putrid team. Granted, they lost to a good Bears team, but they got WORKED. And at HOME, no less. No offense, no defense. Perhaps they should change their city name to the Etroit Lions, since there's no D in Etroit. Could they go winless this season?
Kansas City Chiefs: after being so good last week, they return to form. It was like they were clueless on how to game plan against the Panthers. Nothing they tried worked.
Seattle Seahawks: this couldn't go any worse in Mike Holmgren's final season. Even with Bobby Engram and Deion Branch back from injury, that didn't help much. Granted, they did play the defending champs, but there's NO excuse for not being competitive. The BENGALS pushed the G-men to OT before falling. The Seahawks gave up after the Giants' first TD. They are DONE. Stick a fork in 'em.
THE UGLY
Houston Texans: what a colossal meltdown! They had a win practically wrapped up against a front-line team like Indianapolis. Then they proceeded to play giveaway with the Colts. Sage Rosenfels was putrid, committing three turnovers late in the fourth quarter. David Carr thought Rosenfels was putrid. The Colts took FULL advantage, scoring 21 points in a two-minute span late in the fourth quarter.
Those are my nominees for Week 5. Feel free to come in with your nominees!!
What has gotten you in such an uproar in the world of sports that you want to SCREAM? Is it a player, coach, team, league, owner, or fans of a particular team or individual? Do you think you don't have an outlet to express your ire? Fear not, fans, this is the outlet for you to express that ire by throwing the object of your ire under the Bus. See the lovely young lady? She'll take your requests, then tell the bus driver to do his thing. I know I have a few!
NFL
Seattle Seahawks: granted, they were playing the N.Y. Giants on the road. Very difficult to win there. But at least they could have made it more competitive. Was that the Seahawks or a group of imposters? Clearly, Seattle left its game at home and sleepwalked through the game. I'd have preferred a competitive game, thank you very much. The Seahawks get thrown under the Bus.
O.J. Simpson: the former Buffalo Bills great was found guilty of kidnapping, armed robbery, and 10 other charges involving sports memorabilia. The ironic twist is that he was found guilty 13 years to the day after he got away with murder was found not guilty of two counts of first degree murder in the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. O.J., just go away. Get thrown under the Bus first, then just go away.
NASCAR
Carl Edwards: pot, meet kettle. He's the one always calling out other drivers for causing wrecks. Today, he effectively gave Jimmie Johnson his third straight Sprint Cup title by causing The Big One, Part 2 that knocked out half of the Chase field and six other non-Chase drivers. I do give him credit for taking full responsibility for the wreck. He still gets thrown under the Bus.
Goodyear: there were a rash of tires exploding at Talladega, starting with Dale Earnhardt Jr's on Friday during a practice session. Today, a tire failure on Brian Vickers' car was responsible for The Big One, Part 1. Time for NASCAR to consider exploring other tire companies to supply tires. In the meantime, Goodyear gets thrown Under The Bus.
MLB
MLB "experts": or more specifically, those that predicted the Cubs to beat the Dodgers in the NLDS, which was just about every one of them. Many of these "experts" had the Cubs in the World Series. According to them, the Dodgers might as well have not even played this series. Only one thing: the Cubs had to play the series. They played, and got rolled. The Dodgers' starting pitching was stellar throughout the series. They got timely hitting. Now they're in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies. The "experts" get thrown under the Bus for dismissing the Dodgers so blithely.
Those are my nominees for the week. Feel free to come in with yours!
Around the world of the NFL faster than Ed Hochuli's whistle, Crappafoni Pictures presents this week's version of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
New York Giants: they thoroughly dominated a hapless St. Louis Rams. Good teams are supposed to dominate teams like the Rams, and the Giants did so. DE Justin Tuck's Pick Six Special was particularly impressive.
Tennessee Titans: boy, was I ever wrong about this team! The Titans' defense stuffed the Bengals' offense like a Thanksgiving turkey. To hold Carson Palmer to 134 yards passing is especially impressive. Great job by the Titans' defense.
Buffalo Bills: another team I was wrong about. To go into Jacksonville and beat a Jaguars team many thought could reach the Super Bowl, awesome. Trent Edwards was stellar, completing 20 of 25 for 239 yards and a TD.
Green Bay Packers: they ran and passed on the Lions at will, to the tune of 447 total yards and 48 points. Aaron Rodgers continues to prove that the Packers' brass made the right decision, completing 24 of 38 for 328 yards and 3 TDs.
Carolina Panthers: I put them in this category because of their comeback from a 17-3 deficit to win 20-17. Jonathan Stewart continues to impress, scoring twice, the last one coming with less than 4 minutes left in the game. The Panthers' defense rose to the occasion in the second half, stuffing Aaron McKie on a fourth and short to seal the deal.
Dallas Cowboys: they took advantage of two gigantic plays: a 72-yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens, and a 98-yard kickoff return from Felix Jones, both in the first half. While the Eagles moved the ball up and down the field, the Cowboys' defense stiffened up when it mattered. DeMarcus Ware showed why he's an All-Pro, not giving up on the play and sacking Donovan McNabb on the Eagles' final possession. They join the Giants, Panthers, Packers, and Cardinals as 2-0 teams in the NFC.
Washington Redskins: they beat a (battered) New Orleans Saints team many (myself included) predicted to reach the Super Bowl. Jason Campbell picked apart the Saints' defense to the sweet, jazzy tune of 24 of 36 for 321 yards and a late 67-yard bomb to Santana Moss that provided the winning margin.
Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden broke out in a HUGE way. Subbing for the injured Justin Fargas, McFadden rushed for 164 yards on 21 carries and a TD. He also broke off a 50-yard run. They thoroughly dominated the hapless Chiefs in Arrowhead, rushing for 300 yards as a team.
Honorable Mention: Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers.
THE BAD
St. Louis Rams: this team is GOD-AWFUL bad. They will be LUCKY to win 2 games this season. In fact, they will be competing for the first overall selection in the 2009 draft. They have become the Clippers of the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs: another awful team, though not as bad as the Rams. Losing at home and getting dominated will get you in this category every single time.
Seattle Seahawks: how could you dominate a team like San Francisco, yet let the game get away from you? And at home, no less? Losing to the 49ers at home gets you in this category every single time.
Cincinnati Bengals: this team is HORRID. No wonder they have Halloween colors; watching this team is a horror show in itself. They will be competing with the Rams for the #1 overall selection in the 2009 draft.
THE UGLY
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: this was a Sunday Night Snoozefest. Missed passes. Dropped balls. A lack of execution by both teams. Granted, it was very windy because of the remnants of Hurricane Ike, but you're pros, you should adapt to the conditions. Either both defenses played stellar, or both offenses were sloppy. I'll bank on the latter. Pittsburgh's defense played better, with Troy Polamalu picking off a Derek Anderson pass to stop a Cleveland drive. Aside from Big Ben's 31-yard TD pass to Hines Ward, he was pedestrian.
Oakland at Kansas City: this was a game between two teams that are biding their time until they set up tee times after Week 17. Another yawnfest.
Ed Hochuli: I have to put him in here because he BLEW three calls, ALL of them shafting the Chargers. He was subsequently graded down by the NFL office.
Those are my nominees for Week 2. Feel free to come in with yours!
Starting in Week 1 and concluding in Week 17 (since there are no bad teams in the playoffs) I will be offering the NFL version of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, sponsored by Crappafoni Pictures. I will put five teams in each category.
THE GOOD
New York Giants: they totally dismantled the Washington Redskins last Thursday night. The defense overwhelmed Jason Campbell and the Redskins' offense. Based on what I've seen, the G-men look poised to defend their title.
Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb is healthy again, and that’s a good thing for the Eagles. They ran and passed at will against the Rams. Defensively, they put the clamps on the Rams’ offense.
Dallas Cowboys: they totally dismantled the Cleveland Browns, looking like the favorites to go to the Super Bowl. Tony Romo looked sharp, the ground game was working, and the defense totally overwhelmed the Browns’ offense.
Carolina Panthers: WOW! What a freaking ending! The Panthers hung in there and kept it close throughout the game. The Chargers took the lead with 2:26 left in the game. Plenty of time for Jake Delhomme to drive the Panthers down the field, culminating in a 14-yard TD pass to Dante Rosario as time expired. It's a VERY RARE feat for a QB to throw a game-winning TD pass as time expires. To go into San Diego and beat the Chargers is a GREAT start to the season.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner. Matt Ryan. Need I say more? Turner rushed for a franchise record 220 yards and Ryan's first pass in the NFL was a 62-yard TD to Michael Jenkins. What a debut for first-year head coach Mike Smith! Looks like the Falcons' braintrust knew what they were doing in hiring Smith.
I could put a whole bunch of other teams in this category, but I will put a few in my honorable mention category.
Honorable Mention: Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos.
THE BAD
St. Louis Rams: they couldn’t move the ball on the Eagles, and the Eagles ran and passed over them at will. While I didn’t expect them to win, I expected a better effort. Yuck. I hope Scott Linehan is updating his resume.
Detroit Lions: they were ill-prepared to play football against the Falcons. While Jon Kitna wasn’t bad, the rest of his team was. Kitna actually had a pretty good day, but the defense was putrid.
Cincinnati Bengals: while I wouldn’t normally put them in the Bad category, they belong there this week because they lost to a rookie QB and rookie head coach.
Seattle Seahawks: where do I start? Special teams? That’s a good place to start. The Seahawks’ special teams allowed a fake FG for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown.
Oakland Raiders: losing at home, and not putting forth an honest effort against the Denver Broncos, will get you in this category every single time. They took STUPID penalties, did a ####-poor job in tackling, and did a poor job of game management.
THE UGLY
New England Patriots: losing your franchise QB for the season will get you in this category.
San Francisco 49ers: playing a game of giveaway with the Arizona Cardinals to the tune of five turnovers will get you in this category every single time.
Oakland Raiders: this was so ugly, I turned to a documentary. They were totally and thoroughly dominated by the Broncos. The atmosphere in the stadium is like a morgue. Lane Kiffin better start updating his resume. Now Rob Ryan can really snicker his teehees at Kiffin, knowing he won‘t be fired.
I apologize for leaving some teams off that should be in one of the three categories. Feel free to come in with your nominees!
It's that time of week again. Time to call out those idiots, miscreants, malcontents, and ingrates for their idiocy, arrogance, dumb-A$$ery, and general stupidity. The lovely young lady will take your requests and call them forward. Simple as that!
NFL
San Francisco 49ers: OMG, what the HELL was THAT? FIVE turnovers? It was a miracle you didn't get run out of Candlestick Park! If it wasn't for the Arizona Cardinals' offensive ineptitude, you would have. And your defense bailed the offense's sorry #### out. If it wasn't for Frank Gore, it would REALLY be putrid. I expected a competitive game. Not a good way to start by getting thrown under the Bus.
Seattle Seahawks: what was that allowing a TD on a fake FG? Then on the ensuing kickoff fumbling the ball away? Then on the very next play allowing ANOTHER TD? If this is any indication, it's going to be a VERY long year in the Pacific Northwest. And it starts by throwing the Seahawks under the Bus.
St. Louis Rams: keeping up with the theme of the NFC Worst West, I offer as Exhibit 3, the St. Louis Lambs Rams. Granted, the Eagles are a good team, but I expected a better effort. Both Donovan McNabb AND Kevin Kolb passed on the Lambs Rams at will. I'll state the obvious: the NFC Worst West is the WORST division in the NFL. The Lambs Rams get thrown under the Bus for their lack of effort and their suckiness, at least this week.
Detroit Lions: throughout preseason, this team was hyped as a possible playoff contender. Well, if you were a TRUE playoff contender, you wouldn't be losing have lost to the Atlanta Falcons! And to a rookie QB making his FIRST NFL start! And you wouldn't have let Michael Turner gash you for 220 yards rushing. New season, same old Lions. See the Lions defense. See Michael Turner. See Michael Turner gash the Lions defense for 220 yards rushing (a franchise record). See the Lions get thrown under the Bus.
Carolina Panthers' haters: this is to all those that said the Panthers would be 6-10, or worse, like finish LAST in the NFC South (you people KNOW who you are). I EXPECTED the Panthers to compete, but like just about everyone else, I expected the Chargers to win. Well, the Panthers are 1-0 after beating one of the BEST teams in the AFC, and on the road, no less. Suddenly, the game against Chicago will be very tough next week. I throw all you Panthers haters under the Bus, and deprive you of your supply of Panther-flavored Haterade.
NBA
Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur: the two ex-Jayhawks teammates were kicked out of an NBA rookie transition program for deciding to get high on the hippie lettuce and having women in their room and getting caught. Save that for the regular season. The NBA kicked them out of the program and now they have to repeat the program next year. But in the meantime, the wannabe hippies get thrown under the Bus.
MLB
St. Louis Cardinals: their bullpen failed to hold leads TWICE against Arizona. I thought the Mets’ bullpen was bad; the Cardinals bullpen is 20 times WORSE. This is why they’ll be watching the playoffs from home after the season is over. They had a GOLDEN opportunity to get back into the playoff hunt. Now it’s all but over. With a sweep, they would have made the NL Central a tight race. Now the opportunity is lost. Now they get thrown under the Bus.
Those are my nominations for the week. Feel free to come in with yours!
Sports fans, it's that time of week again. Time to call out the object of your ire by throwing them under the Bus. Remember, the object of your ire can be a player, coach, fans, league, commissioner, sports executive, columnist, or even your fellow bloggers. You can call out their stupidity and general all-around dumb@$$ery here.
NFL
Ricardo Colclough, DB, Carolina Panthers: he was arrested for DWI on Saturday, hours before the Panthers were to make their final cuts. This doesn’t help. If you want to have a future in the NFL, you better learn to stay down during the season. In the meantime, you earn a tread-tasting trip under the Bus. UPDATE: Colclough has been released by the Panthers a few hours after his arrest. Ya think?
Derrick Martin, CB, Baltimore Ravens: the NFL suspended him for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was cited and charged in July for possession of three small bags of the hippie lettuce at the Cleveland airport during a random TSA screening. What the HELL are you doing transporting small bags of the chronic at an airport? Apparently this genius thought he wasn’t going to be searched. Dumb, dumb, dumb. And for that, Martin gets to taste some tread as he gets thrown under the Bus.
Jesse Chatman, RB, New York Jets: he was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s steroids and substance abuse policy. While he’s been good in the locker room and in practice, rules are rules. He was out of football in 2006, and came back in 2007 with Miami. He’ll have his roster spot when he returns in Week 5. But for now, Chatman gets thrown under the Bus.
Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: he was arrested outside a Miami Beach nightclub early Saturday for disorderly conduct. With the season about to begin, what was he doing at a nightclub? Save that for AFTER the season. And remember, nothing good happens after 2 AM, unless you’re getting lucky and doing the Dirty Sanchez with some hottie. What makes it hard is that he’s been a solid character guy, good in the locker room and in the community. But as painful as it is, I have to throw Taylor under the Bus.
Rocky Bernard and Jordan Babineaux, Seattle Seahawks: these two geniuses were suspended for Seattle's Week 1 game at Buffalo. Bernard for violation of the team's personal conduct policy stemming from his allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Babineaux was suspended for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. In addition to the $35,000 fine, Babineaux is also docked a game check. These two characters get to taste some tread as they get thrown Under The Bus.
MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates: or more specifically, their official scorer. This guy denied the Milwaukee Brewers' CC Sabathia a no-hitter. Sabathia fielded a slow roller by the Pirates' Andy LaRoche and booted it. Sure error, right? NO, it was ruled an INFIELD SINGLE!! If Sabathia fields it cleanly, LaRoche is out from PNC Park to Fox Chapel (a tony Pittsburgh suburb). It wasn't like it was a ban.g-ban.g play. The Pirates' official scorer gets thrown Under The Bus for denying Sabathia a much sought-after no-hitter.
Los Angeles Dodgers: this team went into the tank before rallying against the Diamondbacks' two best pitchers: Dan Haren and Brandon Webb. Getting swept by the Phillies is one thing; getting swept by the weak-#### Washington Nationals will get you thrown under the Bus every single time.
Youth Baseball League of New Haven, CT: this spineless league banned a 9-year-old pitcher named Jericho Scott because he’s too good. He's good, and it irks you to no end because your self-esteem is threatened. This young kid throws 40 MPH, which is roughly equivalent to a high school senior throwing 90-95 MPH with pinpoint control. Whatever happened to celebrating achievement? League and parents, you broke the spirit of a kid. I don’t know how you can sleep at night knowing you broke the spirit of a 9-year-old boy. You have that attitude of being the experts on all things racial. Could it be possible you banned him because of his *race*? (Jericho Scott is African-American) WELL, YOU'RE NOT. I SPIT ON YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE CONTEMPTIBLE. THEN I THROW THE SPINELESS PARENTS AND THE LEAGUE UNDER THE BUS. Parents, I hope you get what’s coming to you. And I hope Jericho Scott overcomes this obstacle to become a Major League pitcher.
NASCAR
NASCAR: for instituting a six-race probation for both Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch for their little dust-up after the Bristol race. NASCAR is forever stressing they want to return to its roots. Putting Edwards and Busch on probation is just stupid. Are they trying to neuter its drivers? I think so. NASCAR itself gets thrown under the Bus.
Those are my nominees for the week. Feel free to come in with yours!
P.S. The young lady wasn't available this week; perhaps next week.
Minnesota Vikings: they have a very stout defense, and with the addition of Jared Allen, got that much better. However, I have a HUGE question mark at QB. If Tarvaris Jackson takes the next step forward in his development, this team has the look of a Super Bowl contender. But if he plays like the Jackson of last year, they could struggle to make the playoffs. My guess is he'll be good enough to lead the Vikings to the NFC North title. Predicted record: 10-6, division champion (3).
Green Bay Packers: no Brett Favre for the first time since 1991. They go in with an unproven QB in Aaron Rodgers. They have everything else in place: strong defense, good running game, good receiving corps. Rodgers will take his lumps early in the season, but get better as the season progresses. IF he were to get hurt, the Pack would be in a world of hurt, as they have two unproven rookie QBs backing him up: Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. Because Rodgers will take his lumps early, it will end up costing the Pack the division title. Predicted record: 9-7 (no playoffs).
Detroit Lions: while this team has some good young players to build around, this team will be spotty and inconsistent. While Rod Marinelli may be a good coach, he alone can't improve the team's fortunes. Perhaps a change in GMs would help. This team is much closer to ten losses than ten wins. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
Chicago Bears: only a few short years ago, this team was in the Super Bowl. Why have they fallen so far? Poor free agent acquisitions and some bad drafting decisions. (Tommie Harris isn't one of those bad decisions) The strength of this team is the defensive line. Brian Urlacher, while still very good, isn't quite the player he was in that Super Bowl run. Too many losses on the defensive side. They have failed to draft a potential franchise QB and RB in recent years. They lost Bernard Berrian, their best receiver, to the Vikings. It all adds up to a LONG season for the Bears. Predicted record: 4-12 (no playoffs).
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks: they still have Matt Hasselbeck under center, a strong and improving offensive line, and a very stout defense. Justin Forsett looks like a keeper at RB. Question marks still abound at receiver. They will send Mike Holmgren out a divisional champion. Predicted record: 10-6 (divisional champion).
Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner will start the year as their starting QB. They still have the Dynamic Duo WRs of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. They have an improving defense. They have the offensive firepower. However, Boldin is a VERY unhappy camper. It remains to be seen how that will impact the team. With the improved defense, they could push the Seahawks. They will fall short, but have a winning record. Predicted record: 9-7 (no playoffs).
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson is back, and he's a happy camper. I expect a huge year from Jackson. Marc Bulger is healthy. The defense is improved. They drafted well, with all their drafted rookies expected to stick with the team and make contributions. Chris Long will be a Rookie of the Year candidate. Expect this team to be greatly improved. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
San Francisco 49ers: they have a new QB under center in J.T. O'Sullivan. Frank Gore will be the focal point of the offense, getting plenty of touches. Manny Lawson returns on defense after missing last season with a torn ACL. Josh Morgan, a sixth-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech, has been the best rookie in training camp and could push Bryant Johnson for a starting job. However, too many doubts still abound. They will be better than last year, but not by much. Predicted record: 6-10 (no playoffs).
Wild Card Playoffs: Carolina (6) over Minnesota (3); Philadelphia (5) over Seattle (4).
Divisional Playoffs: New Orleans (1) over Carolina; Philadelphia (5) over Dallas (2).
Today, the Niners terminated Trent Dilfer's contract. For this Fresno State fan and alumnus, it's a sad day. Whether it's the end of his career remains to be seen. Whatever he chooses to do, whether to try out for another team or go into the broadcast booth, I wish him nothing but the best.
I remember Dilfer as a raw yet talented freshman coming in for an injured Mark Barsotti during the 1991 season. He immediately lit up the opposition defense. He looked like a four-year starter rather than a true freshman. Fresno State was the only school that offered Dilfer a scholarship as a QB; several other schools wanted to switch him to either a LB or TE.
In 1992, the Bulldogs were Dilfer's team, since Barsotti went on to graduate and be a late-round pick of the Miami Dolphins. My best memory of that season was obviously the 24-7 win over USC in the Freedom Bowl. Although Dilfer didn't throw a TD pass in the game, he did complete a key fourth-down pass to Tydus Winans early in the game that set up the Bulldogs' first touchdown.
The following year, 1993, cemented Dilfer's ascension as one of the nation's top college QBs. Dilfer passed for a career-high 523 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-30 loss to Big 8 runner-up Colorado in the Aloha Bowl on Christmas Day.
In the 1994 NFL Draft, Dilfer was selected sixth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a rocky first three years under Sam Wyche, he really blossomed in 1997 under the steady leadership of Tony Dungy. The Bucs made the playoffs that season at 10-6. Dilfer earned his only Pro Bowl nod. He was on his way to a career year in 1999 when he broke his collarbone late in the season. The Bucs advanced to the NFC Championship Game against the St. Louis Rams in which the Rams defeated the Bucs 11-6 on a late TD.
Dilfer was released by the Bucs and signed with the Baltimore Ravens to back up Tony Banks. A five-game TD drought during the season signaled the end of Tony Banks as the starter. Dilfer took over the reins on October 29, 2000, vs. Pittsburgh. Baltimore won its final seven regular season games to advance to the playoffs. It was all about the defense; they set an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season and for fewest yards allowed rushing, 970. He saved his best for the big games; in the AFC Championship Game against Oakland, he connected with TE Shannon Sharpe on an NFL postseason record 96-yard TD pass as the Ravens defeated the Raiders 16-3. In Super Bowl XXXV, Dilfer connected with Brandon Stokley for the game's first TD on a SWEET post pattern. The Ravens routed the N.Y. Giants 34-7, and only Ron Dixon's 97-yard kickoff return for a TD prevented the first Super Bowl shutout.
Dilfer served as a mentor to Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle from 2001-04. He started several games for Cleveland in 2005 before injuries derailed his season. He was a mentor to Alex Smith in San Francisco the past two seasons. When Smith went down with an injured shoulder, Dilfer stepped in and the spirit was willing, but the body wasn't. It was like he aged like Dorian Gray right before my eyes. Dilfer would go down with a serious concussion late in the season.
I want to remember Trent Dilfer the player as someone who competed, someone that put in the extra time to become the best player he could be. I won't be surprised if he ends up retiring and going into the broadcast booth. Trent, thanks for all the memories from Fresno State to the present. This Fresno State alum will miss watching you compete.
The NFL is winding down. Basketball, both pro and college, is roughly at its midway point. Baseball and NASCAR will start within the next month, baseball with spring training and NASCAR with Speedweeks. There are PLENTY of opportunities for you as a fan to vent your ire at a player, coach, team, owner, league, commissioner, or fans of other teams and throw them Under The Bus. I have some nominees.
NFL
Seattle Seahawks: yes, you played a very good team on a snowy track at Lambeau Field. But I expected a better effort than that. I throw the Seahawks' coaching staff Under The Bus for not improving their running game and the personnel department for believing that Shaun Alexander was in his prime when he clearly was and is on the decline.
NBA
Boston Celtics: for an elite team, the Celts suffered two horrible losses this week: a beatdown by the Charlotte Bobcats at home and a bad loss to the Washington Wizards on the road. Even though the Celtics still have the NBA's best record, there should be concern. There is still half a season left, and they have to safeguard against their veterans breaking down and missing significant amounts of time.
MLB
Bud Selig: he'll be thrown under until he resigns.
Scribes That Think the Yankees-Red Sox Are The Only Two Teams That Matter: already, baseball writers are breathlessly writing about Yankees-Red Sox. The Red Sox are the dominant team in MLB, and the Yankees are on the decline. In 2003-2004, that was a great rivalry. Not now. It's NOT all that. If you want a real rivalry, COVER THE NL WEST. The NL West IS the power division in baseball. You have FOUR teams that can win the division, and a fifth that is improved and may have the best rotation in the entire National League. So I throw the baseball writers that think Yankees-Red Sox are all that under the bus.
Here is my review of today's NFL Divisional Playoff action.
Seattle at Green Bay: if you're a Seahawks fan, this game couldn't have started any better. Two forced turnovers right off the bat, and 14 points resulting from those turnovers.
Bad start Linebacker Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks recovers a fumble by Ryan Grant of the Green Bay Packers on the first play from scrimmage setting up a Seahawks touchdown on the next play. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, there were about 55 minutes of football left. Not to mention the snow was getting heavier as the game wore on, at times nearing whiteout conditions.
Playing in the snow Kicker Josh Brown #3 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks and makes a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC divisional playoff game on January 12, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Once the Packers recovered from the initial shock of the two turnovers, they used their ground game to batter and beat down the Seahawks. Ryan Grant was the Stud of the Game, rushing for a post-season franchise-record 201 yards and two TDs.
Running back Ryan Grant (L) of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by Jordan Babineaux of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Grant and the Green Bay Packers weathered a rough start before boucing back to beat Seattle 42-20. (AFP/Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)
Brett Favre was efficient for the most part but sometimes he was Farve-ulous. Witness this play he pulled out of his ####:
From his knees Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers throws a shovel pass to tight end Donald Lee #86 for an 11-yard gain in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game on January 12, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
This play was on a critical third down and the completion to Lee allowed the Packers to move the chains. It set up a TD pass, and the rout was on. The Packers and the elements exposed the Seahawks' lack of a strong running game. In conditions resembling a snow globe, you need a strong running game. Grant's output was nothing short of amazing. In the long and storied history of the Packers, only Ahman Green has rushed for 200 or more yards in a game, until today. Grant set the franchise's postseason record for yards in a game, and he became the seventh RB in NFL history to achieve the feat in the postseason. If they play this way next week, they'll represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Now they await the winner of the Cowboys-Giants.
Jacksonville at New England: I liked how Jacksonville started off. They looked like they belonged there. They drove for a TD on their opening drive. New England responded in kind. They traded TDs for the first half in a very physical game.
Laid out Jacksonville Jaguars' Ernest Wilford is stopped by New England Patriots defenders Junior Seau, Brandon Meriweather and Ellis Hobbs after making a catch. (Stephan Savoia/Associated Press)
Locked in Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard throws a touchdown pass ahead of the defensive pressure from New England Patriots' Richard Seymour. (Charles Krupa/Associated Press)
As the game wore on, Jacksonville failed to capitalize on red zone scoring opportunities, settling for FGs in the second half. Tom Brady and the Patriots exposed the Jaguars' secondary as a liability. Yes, the Jags prevented big plays for the most part, but the middle of the field was left open and Brady picked them apart.
Point the way to 17-0 Tom Brady of the New England Patriots gestures before a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Elsa/Getty Images)
The Jaguars could not have executed their game plan any better than they did. They pounded the ball on the ground. They took away Randy Moss. They took care of the ball, save for a late interception. Problem was, they were playing perhaps the best single-season team in NFL history, playing at levels never before seen in the annals of the NFL. Should the Patriots cap this historic season by winning the Super Bowl, they will be THE club in NFL history that all others will be measured up to. They will wipe the 1972 Dolphins off the record books as the best single-season team in NFL history. Yes, I did predict the upset of the playoffs in this game, a 27-20 Jaguars win. Well, I got the 20 correct, but the wrong team. Actual score was 31-20 Patriots.
Now we come to the best weekend of the playoffs. The eight teams that are still in the playoffs are the elite of the league. Win or go home. For one team in particular, the pressure is enormous.
Seattle at Green Bay: the Seahawks come off a 35-14 thrashing of the Washington Redskins. While the Hawks have long been known for their offense, it was their defense that dismantled the Redskins. Green Bay comes off a bye. For Seattle to win, their defense must force Brett Favre into making mistakes. They must win the turnover battle. Offensively, they must be balanced. The RBs must combine for at least 120 yards rushing. For Green Bay to win, they must put pressure on Matt Hasselbeck, sustain long drives that lead to scores, the DBs must be physical with the Hawks' WRs, and Favre must play smart and within himself. I see this being a fairly low-scoring game. Each team will have its moments. This is the hardest game for me to pick. If Seattle were at home I'd take the Hawks. But I'm taking the Packers in a close game.
PREDICTION: Green Bay 23, Seattle 20 (OT).
Jacksonville at New England: this is a study in contrasts. Jacksonville will pound the ball on the ground and grind you down until you cry uncle. David Garrard takes care of the ball and while he doesn't have playmakers at WR, they get the job done. Their defense is physical, in your face, and the front four can put pressure on opposing QBs. New England has a record-setting passing attack, a ground game when needed, and a ball-hawking, opportunistic defense. For Jacksonville to win, they must control the ball on the ground and keep the Patriots' offense on the sidelines. They must take advantage of scoring opportunities. They MUST take care of the ball. They must put pressure on Tom Brady, forcing him to be ineffective. They must shut down the Patriots' running game. The Jags' DBs better be prepared to do a LOT of sprinting, as Brady will go deep when given the opportunity. For the Patriots to win, they must force the Jags into mistakes/turnovers. Laurence Maroney must have a solid game, with a MINIMUM of 75 yards rushing/100 yards of total offense. Brady must have time to make his reads and throw to the open receiver. The Pats' offense must have a couple of big plays early and jump out to a big early lead. The Jaguars will be able to run on the Patriots and keep Brady on the bench long enough to keep him from turning the game into a track meet. This is my upset of the entire playoffs.
PREDICTION: Jacksonville 27, New England 20.
San Diego at Indianapolis: on the surface, it looks like a bad matchup for the Colts, especially considering the recent success the Chargers have had against the Colts. However, this was before Peyton Manning won his ring. Now that Manning has his ring, he comes into this year's playoffs a lot more relaxed. This is Philip Rivers' first time in a divisional playoff. For the Chargers to win, LT has to have a monster game, the defense has to pressure and knock down Manning, and force turnovers. Plus, the Chargers' special teams have to have a huge game. Rivers must be composed and not melt down. For the Colts to win, they must force Rivers into mistakes, particularly early in the game. If the Colts jump out to a huge early lead, it will be too much for the Chargers to overcome. Joseph Addai will play a huge role in the game. This is not your older brother's Colts defense. This is a Colts defense that will punch you in the mouth repeatedly. They will do that to Rivers time and again. Addai will have a huge game. Colts win big.
PREDICTION: Colts 37, Chargers 17.
New York Giants at Dallas: this is the third time the two teams have met. It's very hard for one team to beat another three times in one season. Dallas has already beat the Giants twice. For the Giants to win, Eli Manning has to keep playing like a franchise QB. They must pound the ball on the ground and Manning must continue to make plays. Defensively, the Giants must create turnovers and put pressure on Tony Romo. They must make plays on special teams. For the Cowboys to win, Romo must play like he did earlier in the season, when he distributed the ball around to his receivers like Santa Claus distributing Christmas goodies to all the kiddies. Terrell Owens must play, and have a huge game. The ground game must be able to move the chains and not be dormant. Eli Manning continues his superb play. The Giants move the ball on the ground. Romo makes enough mistakes that the Giants take advantage of and end up winning.
PREDICTION: N.Y. Giants 30, Dallas 20.
Those are my predictions for the Divisional Playoffs. What say you?
I'll throw my hat into the ring as far as predictions. Here are mine for the Wild Card round, complete with a brief analysis of the game.
Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks: I have been going back and forth on this game. This game is really too close to call. And I've really been hard on the Seahawks for most of the season. I'll go easy on them, LOL. Washington comes into this game on a roll, winners of their last four in a row. They throttled the Dallas Cowboys' ground game to the tune of ONE YARD in Week 17. While the Redskins have a strong ground game, the Seahawks have a stout run defense. And they are at home. And they have Matt Hasselbeck. And they still have Shaun Alexander. My heart says the Redskins, but my head says the Hawks in a close game. PREDICTION: Seahawks.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers: the Jags slapped the Steelers up and down Heinz Field a few weeks ago. They have the two-headed beast named Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. David Garrard takes care of the ball (only 3 INTs this season). The defense is stout. The Steelers come in ####ed up, but they make up for hit with loads of heart and grit. This game will be close like the last one, but with the same result. PREDICTION: PAIN--OOPS, wrong! Ahem, Jaguars.
New York Giants @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: the Giants come in ####ed up after their stellar effort against the Patriots last week. The Bucs are coming off a loss to Carolina. I never know which Eli Manning is going to show up. Jeff Garcia is a playoff veteran who has won in the postseason. PREDICTION: Bucs.
Tennessee Titans @ San Diego Chargers: Tennessee is perhaps the most ####ed up of all the postseason teams. Roydell Williams broke his ankle in practice yesterday and he's out for a minimum of six weeks. The Titans are a walking MASH unit. Not a good thing to go into the playoffs. The Chargers are on a roll, FINALLY getting the ball to LT and letting him do his thing. Lorenzo "The Battering Ram" Neal will be back at some point in the playoffs to clear a path for LT. The defense is stout again. This will be the most lopsided game of perhaps the entire postseason. PREDICTION: Chargers to win BIG.
NOTE: this blog will expand into other sports starting this week. You can still include your NFL nominees to throw Under The Bus, but I will open it up to the other sports as well. So if you have a team, player, coach, manager, team executive (including owner), that you want to vent about and throw Under The Bus, here is your forum to do so!
NFL
The 1972 Dolphins: how does it taste now, now that your record is ripped by the 2007 New England Patriots? No champagne popping this year! The Patriots just ripped your raison d'etre from you, so the next step is throwing your #### under the damn Bus!!
The 2007 Dolphins: if you guys hadn't stumbled and actually WON, we'd be talking about you going 0-16 and running the table in reverse. Today would have been a good day to make a statement and win two of your last three games. But you guys, in typical Dolphins fashion, went out and sucked. So under the Bus you go with the 1972 Dolphins.
Seattle Seahawks: you went 1-3 against a weakened NFC South this year? Ironically, your lone win against the division came against the eventual division champion (Tampa Bay) in Week ONE of the season. Meanwhile, Carolina went 4-0 against the NFC West. Yes, you're in the playoffs, but the NFC Worst is that, the worst division in football. And you LOST to the woeful Atlanta Falcons today? Your practice squad players should have beaten the Falcons! So Under The Bus you go!
New Orleans Saints: or more specifically, their special teams. WHY on God's Green Earth do you (or anyone else for that matter) PUNT to Devin Hester? So he can Hesterize you to the tune of TWO punt returns for TDs? I think Sean Payton threw P Steve Weatherford once under the Bus, so I'll pile on and throw Weatherford under the Bus again.
Detroit LLLLLLLLLLions: weak effort against the Pack. Enough said about this sorry team.
Those are my nominations for this week. Come in with your nominations. Thank you for reading and responding.
Around the world of the NFL faster than two Will Blackmon returns for TDs, Crappafoni Pictures presents for you the fan, in living color, the NFL version of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
Green Bay Packers: they dismantled the Oakland Raiders in every aspect of the game. Will Blackmon was the special teams stud, returning a punt and a fumble for a touchdown. Blackmon became the first player since 1974 and only the fourth in NFL history to return a punt and fumble for a touchdown in the same game. The Pack amassed 445 total yards for the game and dominated the game from start to finish.
Jacksonville Jaguars: they were dominant in beating a Panthers team that basically gave up from the second quarter on. More on that later.
Dallas Cowboys' final drive: the 'Boys were lucky when Paris Lenon kicked the ball to Andre Gurode. If Lenon just falls on the ball, Detroit wins and gets put in the Good category. Lenon's colossal mistake gave Tony Romo new life, and he took advantage of it.
New England Patriots: way to shut up Anthony Smith! Tom
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