The Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms played with a ruptured spleen in his team's loss to the Carolina Panthers yesterday.
Sfvftc's Shot: Bucs quaterback Chris Simms, once and for all, shedded the demeaning 'soft' label with his gritty perfromance yesterday.
The media, Steve Young in partciular and myself stamped Chris Simms as 'soft' or fragile. We formed this characterization based upon his privileged upbringing, his inability to defeat archrival Oklahoma while at Texas and his failure to guide the Longhorns to a national championship.
Yesterday, though, Simms jettisoned that categorization by playing with a ruptured spleen. His head coach, John Gruden, today said, ""He's a tough guy. There's been people out there that have questioned his toughness. Those people hopefully were silenced yesterday." (Quote courtesy of www.sports.yahoo.com & AP & Fred Goodall)
Coach Gruden, I consider myself 'silenced' about Simms' toughness.
Key Play (s):
1. Chris Simms proved his mettle yesterday by playing with a ruptured spleen.
Sfvftc's Shot: Minnesota Vikings rookie head coach Brad Childress won the respect and admiration of his players with a daring play call late in Sunday's 16-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
In Sunday's game against the Panthers, Childress' Vikings trailed 13-6 early in the 4th quarter. Minnesota's drive stalled at the Panthers 16 and they appeared to have settled for a field goal on 4th down and 5 yards to go.
The astute Childress, though, had other plans. In a stroke of coaching brilliance, he called for a fake FG and a pass. Carolina fell for the ruse and the Vikings scored a TD to tie the game at 13 and ultimately they won in overtime 16-13.
Childress' bold play call must of astounded his players and his coaching staff. The fake FG sent a few messages to his players. First, it showed that he believed in and trusted his players enough to call the risky play at such a critical juncture in the game. Second, it revealed Childress' ability to analyze a game situation correctly and call for the right play at the right moment. He realized that his offense had managed to score only six points against a ferocious Panthers defense in three plus quarters of action and with a mere 8:30 remaining in the contest, his Vikings might not get another opportunity to score a TD. Thus, wisely, he ordered the fake FG. Next, Childress' audacious play call let his squad know that he is willing to take a calculated gambles when necessary to win football games. NFL players want an aggressive coach who adheres to Kansas City Chiefs head coach famous quote, "You play to win the game."
Key Play:
1. Brad Childress won the respect and appreciation of his players on Sunday by calling a fake FG at pivotal moment in the game against the Panthers, which the Vikings converted for a TD, en route, to an overtime victory.
The Score: Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox is superb at his chosen profession.
Sfvftc's Shot: Panthers head coach John Fox outsmarted himself and his miscalculation resulted in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers led the Vikings 13-6. Carolina's defense, dominant all day long, had just forced the Vikings offense to punt again. Then, Fox called for a pass off the punt return. The Vikings intercepted the ill-fated pass by Chris Gamble. Minnesota took advantage of Fox's gaffe and scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession and eventually Minnesota won the game in overtime.
Why did Fox call for a risky trick play? After the game he told the media that he wanted to inject some enthusiasm back into his team. Huh? If he wanted to energize his squad, he should have called them together and delivered a brief encouraging talk rather than calling a dicey play. In addition, if his offense failed to score he could simply punt and rely on his sturdy defense to win the game.
Key Play:
1. John Fox, a terrific coach, blundered on Sunday by attempting a pass off a punt return in the fourth quarter against the Vikings.
2. Fox, to his credit, took the full blame for his error.
The Score: The Carolina Panthers, a popular pick to reach the Super Bowl, are a disappointing 0-2.
Sfvftc's Shot: Injured Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith should call his team's owner Jerry Richardson and ask for a pay raise.
During Smith's two week absence the Panthers offense has floundered. They have scored only one touchdown two games. Quarterback Jake Delhomme's completion percentage is a horrendous 53.
While it is true that any offense would struggle without its superstar wide receiver, Carolina morphs from a Super Bowl contender into a non-playoff team. Smith may only touch the ball 8-9 times per game but he generates touchdowns and long yardage pass plays on a regular basis.
Given his team's poor start and their offenses woes, it behooves Smith to take advantage of this beneficial situation. He should try to get a raise, get more "guaranteed" money, negotiate a contract extension, bargain for the team to pay for all of your children's college expenses or something else you desire.
After all, Carolina will not hesitate to jettison Smith once his skills diminish.
Key Play (s):
1. Carolina Panthers-0-2.
2. WR Steve Smith missed his second game and his team's offense is atrocious without him.
3. Smith ought to use this situation to his advantage and renegotiate his contract.
The Score: The NFL is loaded with undervalued players.
Sfvftc's Shot: Five unsung stars in the NFL are the following players: Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday; Houston Texans running back Domanick Davis; Carolina Panthers cornerback Ken Lucas; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason; and Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler.
1.Jeff Saturday,center,Indianapolis Colts-Jeff Saturday is the bedrock of an O-line which has blocked well enough to allow Peyton Manning and crew to shatter several NFL records. He is an intelligent, sturdy and dependable player. The Colts O-line's cohesiveness stems in large part from Saturday's leadership.
2. Domanick Davis, running back, Houston Texans-Domanick Davis is a talented running back. In spite of terrible offensive lines and usually rushing against an eight man defensive front, Davis has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in his brief career. With new coach Gary Kubiak, an offensive whiz, Davis' offensive statistics will soar.
3. Ken Lucas, cornerback, Carolina Panthers-Ken Lucas is a lithe cornerback. He is terrific at one-on-one coverage. In addition, he is a reliable tackler. (Thanks Pete Prisco, CBSsportsline.com)
4. Derrick Mason, wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens-For some reason, Derrick Mason's name is often neglected in conversations about the top wide receivers in the NFL. Mason has posted 5 straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving. Last year, he ranked 6th in the NFL in total yards receiving. For his career, he's averaged a stellar 13.3 yards per catch.
5. Trent Green, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs-Trent Green is a precision passer. Green, on a consistent basis, compiles impressive statistics. For example, in each of the last three seasons he's thrown for over 4,000 yards. Moreover, Green has accomplished these feats without a marquee wide receiver.
Bonus
6. Alge Crumpler, tight end, Atlanta Falcons-Alge Crumpler is a terrific route runner. He is adept at finding the open spaces in defenses and presenting his quarterback, Michael Vick, with a clear target. The former Tar Heels star has recorded back-to-back Pro Bowl worthy seasons.
Key Play(s):
1. Jeff Saturday, Domanick Davis, Ken Lucas, Derrick Mason, Trent Green and Alge Crumpler are six underrated NFL stars.
